March 2, 2005

Georgetown Sailing is pleased to announce the creation of the Quigley Society in honor of Martin Quigley (C '39), the founder of the program. The goal of the Quigley Society is to generate ongoing financial support for Georgetown Sailing. All donations to the Quigley Society will be recognized by the Friends of Georgetown Sailing, a volunteer organization dedicated to ensuring that Georgetown Sailing continues to be recognized as one of the top college programs in the country. Funds will be used for team travel, boat repair, and supplementing operational costs. Naming this endeavor after the founder of Georgetown Sailing will prolong his legacy on the Hilltop and throughout college sailing.

Martin Quigley came to Georgetown from Loyola High School in New York City. In the Spring of 1937, he met with several fellow students interested in sailing, and that Fall, he helped organize the Georgetown University Sailing Club. In the early years, the team sailed out of the Potomac Boat Club. The team's first fleet was purchased from the Cape Cod Ship Building Corporation, and by 1938, intercollegiate sailing was growing at Georgetown. Hoya sailors faced teams from the Naval Academy, Brown University, and Princeton. On June 1, 1938, the Athletic Association recognized sailing as a full minor sport and varsity letters were awarded to participants.

Quigley graduated first in his class from Georgetown in 1939, and he went on to do intelligence work for the U.S. government. In 1945, he left the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) to work for his family's publishing company. In 1946, he married Katherine Dunphy and moved to Larchmont, NY. He and his wife raised nine children in Larchmont, where he served as mayor in the early 1980's. While no longer involved in local politics, the Quigleys still live in Larchmont. Over the past few decades, Martin has published several books on film and U.S. government relations.

In the Spring of 2004, Martin Quigley returned to campus to address alumni and current Georgetown sailors about the history of Georgetown Sailing and the importance of staying involved beyond one's years on the Hilltop. His name forever associated with the program, he continues to take an active interest in the successes, which began over 60 years ago under his direction.

To be recognized as a Quigley Society member, a minimum gift of $5,000 (payable over 5 years) is asked. If you are interested in donating, please contact Rick Hall in Hoyas Unlimited. He can be reached by phone at 202-687-0487, or by email at hallr2@georgetown.edu. If you wish to learn more about on of the most successful sailing teams in the country (they have won 3 National Championships in the past 6 years), please contact Head Coach Mike Callahan (F 97) through the Sports Information Office at Georgetown. Gifts can also be sent through the Friends of Georgetown Sailing at:

Friends of Georgetown Sailing
C/O Hoyas Unlimited
McDonough Arena
Georgetown University
Washington, DC 20057