Esther's Story
Tradition of Shared Vision
Esther W. Couper’s legacy to Binghamton University and the community is one of charity and commitment. Because of her abiding belief in higher education, Couper generously devoted her time, talents and financial resources to strengthen the University and its vital role in the life of the community in which she lived. In 1998, at the age of 99, she agreed to serve as the honorary co-chair of Believe in Binghamton, the University's first comprehensive gifts campaign. A recipient of the University Medal and the New York State Medal for Philanthropy, she provided generously for Binghamton in her estate plan and made significant outright gifts in her lifetime to support the University, including establishing the Esther W. Couper Scholarship and, in honor of her late husband, supporting the Edgar W. Couper Endowment Fund for Educational Excellence. She was a founding member of the Legacy Giving Circle who inspired so many others throughout her 101 year lifetime and will continue to do so well into the future.