February 20

Baron Nicolas de Gunzburg hailed from a prominent banking family in Russia before settling in Western Europe and the United States. He initially pursued a career in finance, working with private banking firms in Paris and New York. In the 1940s he transitioned to publishing, where he brought his refined aesthetic to luxury magazines and cultural journals. De Gunzburg cultivated close relationships with artists, designers, and writers, influencing the visual direction of leading fashion publications. He championed modern art and served on the boards of several museums, using his expertise to acquire and support emerging talent. His discerning eye and social connections made him a tastemaker among elite circles. De Gunzburg’s legacy lives on in the publications he guided and the artistic communities he patronized. He passed away in 1981, remembered for his dual impact on finance and the arts.

Ferruccio Lamborghini was born in 1916 in Cento, Italy, and served as a mechanic in the Italian army before turning to entrepreneurship. In 1963, he founded Automobili Lamborghini in Sant’Agata Bolognese to rival established luxury car manufacturers. Passionate about engineering and design, he oversaw the creation of iconic models such as the Miura and the Countach, which became symbols of performance and prestige. Lamborghini’s bold approach to styling and focus on high-performance engines set new standards in the automotive world. He sold his company in 1974 due to financial challenges but left behind a brand that remains synonymous with luxury supercars. Beyond automobiles, he was admired for his mechanical ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit. Lamborghini passed away on February 20, 1993, and his legacy continues to influence car enthusiasts and designers worldwide.

Larry H. Miller was an American entrepreneur best known for owning the Utah Jazz basketball franchise. Born in 1944 in Salt Lake City, he founded the Larry H. Miller Automotive Group, which grew into a major dealership network. He expanded his business interests to include sports, entertainment venues, and real estate development. As owner of the Utah Jazz, he led the team for over two decades, becoming a beloved figure in the NBA community. A committed philanthropist, Miller supported education, healthcare, and the arts throughout Utah. His foundation awarded millions in scholarships and grants, impacting countless lives. He passed away in 2009, leaving a lasting legacy in business and civic engagement.

Henry Segerstrom (1923–2015) was a visionary businessman who transformed a lima bean field into South Coast Plaza, one of the largest shopping centers in the United States. Under his leadership, it became a premier retail destination attracting millions of visitors annually. Beyond retail, Segerstrom was a passionate patron of the arts, founding the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and supporting local cultural institutions. His philanthropy extended to ballet, music academies, and educational programs that enriched the Orange County community. Segerstrom’s legacy lives on through his contributions to business innovation and community development.