Historical Markers: 
A Campus Walking Tour:

Whalen Gymnasium

This plaque is inside, on a brick wall in the foyer as you are facing the right side of the basketball court.  The College gymnasium was named in honor of Donald Whalen in 2003, following a partial renovation of the building.  Dr. Whalen coached the men’s basketball team from 1959-70 and added duties as head golf coach and Director of Athletics from 1962-70.  His 1969 golf team was the first Fort Lewis College team in any sport to win a league championship after the college became a four-year institution in 1962. The team was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000, making Dr. Whalen one of two individuals to be inducted as head coach and as part of the team. 

In 1970, Dr. Whalen became dean of the School of Education and held the position until 1983. He served as vice president for student affairs and held a number of other important administrative roles during his tenure at Fort Lewis College. In late 1984, with the announcement of the retirement of President Rexer Berndt, Dr. Whalen agreed to serve as acting president of Fort Lewis College. He was again called upon to serve as acting president in 1986, and provided leadership through financially troubled times for the next 18 months until his retirement in 1988.

Although he retired from Fort Lewis College in 1988, he has remained an active part of the campus and Durango community. In 1989 the Don Whalen/Tamarron Presidential Scholarship Golf Tournament was established to raise funds for scholarships.  Photos of that annual event are available for viewing in the Fort Lewis College Archives, at the Delaney Library in the Center of Southwest Studies.

Center of Southwest Studies

© 2006 Center of Southwest Studies, Fort  Lewis College
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Credit line: Center of Southwest Studies, Fort  Lewis College
1000  Rim Dr., Durango, CO 81301-3999 ~ Phone  970-247-7126 ~ Fax 970-247-7422

Page last modified: February 08, 2006