SAINT PAUL, Minn. --- On May 8, 2026, Hamline University named the court in historic Hutton Arena to honor Win Folkers '57, a Hamline basketball alumni and longtime supporter for Hamline athletics.
"It is not every day that we are able to dedicate a space in a historic facility for the Hamline community," said Hamline University President Mayme Hostetter. "So this is an awesome day to be together."
Playing for legendary coach Joe Hutton Sr., Folkers was an All-Conference forward on Hamline's 1957 MIAC championship men's basketball team and was named honorable mention All-American. He also played tennis and was actively involved across campus in his time at Hamline. He majored in political science and economics and moved on to earn a master's degree in public administration from the University of Minnesota in 1964. Folkers also served as a Hamline trustee from 1996 to 2022, when he was elected a life trustee. In 2022, Hamline awarded him an honorary doctorate of humane letters.
"He truly embodied our model of graduating winners," said Athletic Director Alex Focke. "He learned. He competed. He served. He connected and he led. What makes Win so special is that his commitment to Hamline did not end at graduation. It only grew."
University leaders, trustees, coaches, staff, and student-athletes gathered in Hutton Arena on May 8th to share speeches and toast Folkers legacy. Players from Hamline's men's and women's basketball teams and volleyball team spoke about Folkers' influence on their experience as Piper student-athletes. "The walls of this gym hold years of hard work, discipline and pride," said Raoul Vaidya, a junior representing the men's basketball team. "Every practice, every game, every moment has added to the legacy that continues to push forward. Today, that legacy is tied to the name, Winston Folkers. That represents commitment, excellence and a deep connection to him."
In addition to playing on the court, the student-athletes use the nearby Winston Folkers '57 Alumni Room and Team Rooms, which were created by friends in his honor and unveiled in 2023. There, the basketball and volleyball teams hold meetings, film sessions, leadership development and team-building activities. The arena also gets used by countless high school and youth athletes who come for tournaments and camps throughout the year.
"This is a wonderful facility. I always enjoyed playing here," Folkers said. "It has a wonderful future, just like Hamline itself has a wonderful future…I wish to do my part."
The first fall home event that will be held on the newly named Win Folkers '57 Court in Hutton Arena will be Hamline volleyball on September 9 when they host North Central (MN) at 7 PM.
