Amanda Fowle Bindel ’95 and John Bindel ’94 first crossed paths at an after-party for student volunteers following the Residential Housing Association (RHA) Casino Night during Parents’ Weekend. John walked Amanda back to Davis-Gary Hall from the Academic Building that night, and while summer break soon sent them back to their hometowns, Amanda knew they would reconnect once they returned to College Station.
When the two returned to College Station in August 1992, after running into each other at a party the week before classes started, they began dating. Their first football game date came with great seats and a memorable mishap. Sitting in the first row of the third deck at the 50-yard line, they shared a Coke that later slipped from Amanda’s hands and spilled onto a Corps of Cadets member seated below. John quickly tossed down cash to cover the uniform cleaning, a moment the couple still laughs about.
Both credit their time in the residence halls and with RHA as shaping their college experiences. Amanda said her favorite memory as an RHA member was attending the leadership retreat, where she had opportunities to grow as a leader and build long-lasting connections. John recalled the retreat as his first exposure to the Myers-Briggs personality test, which categorizes personality preferences and leadership styles, calling it a formative experience.
Life in the halls left lasting memories for both. In Davis-Gary Hall, Amanda remembers decorating her room with her best friend from high school, complete with a loft bed and coordinated décor where they often hosted birthday celebrations for friends. John said Walton Hall was where he met some of his closest friends. These friendships continue today through annual home football game reunions. With no air conditioning, residents often left their doors open, creating a strong sense of community as students gathered to watch movies or play games together.
While their love story began in the residence halls, one of their most meaningful memories came later. Their wedding reception was held at the Memorial Student Center, where they celebrated with close family and friends in the heart of campus.
Amanda and John were married Jan. 7, 1995, turning a chance meeting at an RHA event into a lifelong Aggie love story.