Thomas W. Binford
Encyclopedia
Thomas Wyatt Wilson Binford (April 6, 1924 – January 14, 1999) was an Indianapolis
-based entrepreneur
and philanthropist
. One of Indianapolis' most influential men, Thomas W. Binford was a pioneer, visionary and civil rights
leader. He participated in civic, philanthropic, cultural and political aspects of the city and state and was valued for his sensitivity, wise counsel, personal and financial support, and sincerity. In addition to his many personal interests, Binford spearheaded a group to buy the Indiana Pacers
basketball team in 1975 and served as its president and general manager for one year. From 1974-1995, Binford served as the Chief Steward of the Indianapolis 500
, presiding over its transition from United States Auto Club to Indy Racing League governance.
, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He was interim president of DePauw University
in 1975-76. He eventually became president and CEO of Indiana National Bank. He was instrumental in bringing the Colts
to Indianapolis. His greatest contribution was creating an environment in the city of Indianapolis where issues of civil rights and race could be discussed productively and without rancor. A street in northeastern Indianapolis was renamed Binford Boulevard in his honor.
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
-based entrepreneur
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur is an owner or manager of a business enterprise who makes money through risk and initiative.The term was originally a loanword from French and was first defined by the Irish-French economist Richard Cantillon. Entrepreneur in English is a term applied to a person who is willing to...
and philanthropist
Philanthropist
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes...
. One of Indianapolis' most influential men, Thomas W. Binford was a pioneer, visionary and civil rights
Civil rights
Civil and political rights are a class of rights that protect individuals' freedom from unwarranted infringement by governments and private organizations, and ensure one's ability to participate in the civil and political life of the state without discrimination or repression.Civil rights include...
leader. He participated in civic, philanthropic, cultural and political aspects of the city and state and was valued for his sensitivity, wise counsel, personal and financial support, and sincerity. In addition to his many personal interests, Binford spearheaded a group to buy the Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
basketball team in 1975 and served as its president and general manager for one year. From 1974-1995, Binford served as the Chief Steward of the Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
, presiding over its transition from United States Auto Club to Indy Racing League governance.
Biography
Binford attended Princeton UniversityPrinceton University
Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The school is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and is one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution....
, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He was interim president of DePauw University
DePauw University
DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, USA, is a private, national liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 2,400 students. The school has a Methodist heritage and was originally known as Indiana Asbury University. DePauw is a member of both the Great Lakes Colleges Association...
in 1975-76. He eventually became president and CEO of Indiana National Bank. He was instrumental in bringing the Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
to Indianapolis. His greatest contribution was creating an environment in the city of Indianapolis where issues of civil rights and race could be discussed productively and without rancor. A street in northeastern Indianapolis was renamed Binford Boulevard in his honor.