Union College Athletics

A 1949 graduate of Union, Ken Whalen was a three-year member of both the football and track teams. A fullback at the start of his gridiron career, Whalen moved to center and was captain of his senior team which compile a record of 7-1 (the Dutchmen’s first winning season since the 7-0-1 record of the 1939 squad). Whalen was a member of the Eastern College All-Star team that beat the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds. He earned New York State honors for his performance and leadership following his senior campaign. As a member of the outdoor track team (Union did not have an indoor team at the time), Whalen set the College record for his shot put throw of over 47 feet. He was the Dutchmen’s top point-getter as a senior while throwing both the shot and the discus. Whalen was awarded Union’s prestigious Bailey Cup, which is awarded annually to the senior who has rendered the greatest service to the College in any field. Whalen, who was a member of the Union’s Board of Trustees from 1967 until 1993, joined the New York Telephone Company and was President of Michigan Bell. He retired as the Executive Vice President of AT & T in 1984.