Bio

Sister Esther Ann Whalen, a 30-year Salve Regina employee whose lifetime passion has been sailing, is the founder and advisor of the sailing team. Sister Esther was formally educated in the Sacred Heart Order. Since 1983, she has also been involved with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Castle Hill Flotilla 806, from which she received a medal of honor for service on operational patrols and a commendation for relief duty.

She is a native of Manhattan, N.Y., daughter of Grover A. Whalen, former New York City police chief who served for more than three decades as the city's official greeter, as well as master of its ticker-tape parade. In 1939, he organized and managed the World's Fair.

During her 30 years at Salve Regina, Sister Esther has served as director of public relations, director of publications and coordinator of special events, among others. She also started the university's popular Circle of Scholars educational program for the local retired community.

Her longtime tenure has earned her the fond nickname of "walking encyclopedia" on campus in recognition of her vast institutional knowledge. She loves being on the water and frequently accompanies Salve Regina sailing coach John Ingalls on the chase boat during practices and regattas. One of the boats in Salve Regina's new fleet of Vanguard 420s is named "Sister Esther" in honor of her commitment to the program, which has leapt to national prominence during her tenure.

Sister Esther was inducted into the ICSA Hall of Fame as a tribute to her lifelong dedication to the sport of sailing at the 2008 College National Championships held at Salve Regina University. She was also given an ICSA award for her "selfless service as a volunteer to Salve Regina University's Sailing Program and to the sailing community." In recognition of Sister Esther's esteemed award, her family made a generous contribution to officially name the Sister Esther Ann Whalen Sailing Program Endowment.  Other sailing enthusiasts have joined in honoring Sister Esther by generously giving to this endowment.  It is her passion that continues to lead the team and her vision that plans for the long-term future of the program.