A year later, Hamline University gives 2020 grads a sendoff A year later, Hamline University gives its 2020 graduates a proper sendoff "We promised them that we would recognize them when we were able to do so," Hamline President Fayneese Miller said. "This is a group that always maintained hope." May 7, 2021 — 9:13pm Text size Copy shortlink: One by one, the Hamline University graduates wearing black gowns, caps and mandatory masks walked across the stage as their names were read. Their loved ones applauded and shouted with joy, some of them in tears, as they captured the milestone moment on their cellphone cameras.