The first graduates of Hamline University were Elizabeth and Emily Sorin. The sisters graduated in 1859 and Sorin Residence and Dining Hall is named for them.
Hamline University has a number of alumni who are current members of the faculty and staff. A few examples are:
- Susan Thurston Myster ’84 - Associate Professor and Director of Forensic Sciences
- David Davies ’91 - Assistant Professor of Anthropology
- Duane Cady ’68 - Professor of Philosophy
- Sharon Preves ’91 - Associate Professor of Sociology
- Dan Loritz ’69 - Vice President for University Relations
- Betsy Brenden Radtke ’89 - Executive Director of Alumni Relations
- Dana Johnson ’69 - Director of Development for Athletics
- Karla Adams Williams ’80 - Director of Annual Giving
The Student Center and the library are both named after A.G. Bush, a generous donor to the University who was also the founder of 3M.
The area in front of the newly built Klas Center is named Osnes Plaza, in honor of former president Larry Osnes.
Hamline's Student Center was built in 1963.
The word alumni (plural, male and female) refers to anyone who has completed at least one semester at Hamline. The word alumnus is the singular term for a male who has completed at least one semester at Hamline, while alumna signifies a singular female. The plural term for females who attended Hamline is referred to as alumnae.
Although Hamline University is now located in the Midway area of Saint Paul, it was originally established in Red Wing, Minnesota.
The first intercollegiate basketball game was played between Hamline and the University of Minnesota.
The first Old Main building burned down in 1883, and the present building was dedicated one year later, in 1884.
University Avenue connects Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and was named after Hamline University, not the University of Minnesota, as is often believed.
Charles Drew was a generous donor to the University and many buildings are named after him, even though he was not an alumnus.
