Dave ’73 and Binney Brown Fouts ’73
Dave ’73 and Binney Brown Fouts ’73 have a special connection to the university. Both were legacy students, as Dave’s parents and Binney’s father graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Dave was looking for a small liberal arts school where he could continue wrestling, while Binney was excited to attend a co-ed university. They met during their freshman year, when Ann Campana Judge and Jim Mendenhall set them up on a blind date. They got to know each other during the Phi Delt and Kappa Kappa Gamma “skip out” trip to Miami University, and the rest is history!
Dave and Binney were inspired by influential faculty during their time at Ohio Wesleyan University. Dave remembers his wrestling coach, Ray Leech, who talked him out of leaving the U.S after he received his draft number.
He also commends his economics professors, who taught him the importance of diligence and perseverance. Binney was inspired by her Home Economics professor, Dr. Whitaker, who always listened to and enjoyed teaching her students.
Dave and Binney were both given job opportunities as a result of on-campus interviews. Dave was hired by the General Electric Company in Cleveland, Ohio, where the couple relocated and started their family. Binney worked in marketing for Ohio Bell, and took on a variety of roles, thereafter, utilizing skills she learned from her time as the Rush Chairman of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
According to Dave: “Much of who we are, where we went in life, how we lived, or overcame difficult moments came from the wisdom and strength we gained at Ohio Wesleyan University.”
Dave and Binney emphasize education in their charitable giving, so supporting Ohio Wesleyan University was a natural choice. Binney considers the Tower Society “a great future vehicle for education,” which provides another opportunity for them to give back.
Considering their posthumous gift a “benefit of privilege,” they share: “The notion that we could in some way assist young people find direction in their lives as we found ours brings us peace of mind and is a way for us to give our thanks.”