May 20

Born in 1441, Isabel Ingoldisthorpe was an English noblewoman whose life intersected with the late medieval aristocracy. As a member of the Ingoldisthorpe lineage, she would have managed estates and familial alliances during the final phases of the Wars of the Roses. Although specific records of her personal achievements are scarce, noblewomen of her time often played pivotal roles in arranging marriages and securing political ties. Isabel's life offers a window into the duties and responsibilities of English gentry in the 15th century. She passed away in 1476, leaving behind the heritage of her noble house.

Born around 1527, Isabella Markham served as a courtier during the reigns of Henry VIII and his successors. She was known for her position in the royal household, attending to the personal needs of Tudor princesses and queens. Isabella’s role would have involved managing court ceremonies and maintaining the daily affairs of the monarchy. While detailed records of her life are limited, her service at court underscores the intricate operations of Tudor politics and society. She navigated a period of religious upheaval and dynastic change, witnessing the transitions from Henry VIII to Mary I and Elizabeth I. Isabella died in 1579, leaving a trace of her family's longstanding involvement in English courtly life.

Born in 1814, Ana Néri volunteered to care for wounded soldiers during the Paraguayan War. Her compassionate service earned her recognition as Brazil's first professional nurse. Néri established temporary hospitals and provided critical medical assistance on the battlefield. After the war, she continued philanthropic work, advocating for improved medical care. Her efforts led to the formal recognition of nursing as a profession in Brazil. Today, she is celebrated as a national heroine and symbol of selfless service.

Born Philipp La Renotière von Ferrary in 1850, he was heir to a banking fortune. He dedicated his life to acquiring rare and unique postage stamps from around the world. Ferrary's collection grew to include some of the most coveted stamps, such as the British Guiana 1c magenta. He employed a team of experts to expand and meticulously catalog his holdings. His philatelic library and research advanced the study of stamp collecting. After his death, his collection was auctioned, setting enduring records in the philatelic community. Ferrary is still celebrated as one of the greatest stamp collectors in history.

Arthur Erickson (1924–2009) was one of Canada’s most influential architects, known for his bold modernist and concrete structures. His portfolio includes landmark projects such as Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, the Simon Fraser University campus, and the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Erickson’s work often integrated architecture with the natural landscape, creating buildings that were both functional and harmonious with their surroundings. He received numerous awards, including the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Gold Medal. His visionary approach continues to inspire architects worldwide.

Arthur Gelb was a pioneering journalist and editor at The New York Times who played a pivotal role in elevating arts and cultural reporting. Born in 1924 in New York City, he rose through the newspaper ranks to become managing editor, overseeing influential features and in-depth profiles. Gelb co-authored acclaimed biographies, including the definitive life of playwright Eugene O'Neill, showcasing his deep respect for literature and theatre. His leadership expanded the paper's cultural section, championing emerging writers and diverse voices. A mentor to countless journalists, Gelb's editorial vision helped shape modern American journalism. His contributions remain a benchmark for quality reporting and biography writing.

Kho Jabing was a Malaysian national convicted of murder and sentenced to death in Singapore after a high-profile trial. Born in 1984, he became the focal point of intense legal and human rights discussions over the mandatory death penalty in Southeast Asia. His case drew international attention when his final appeals and pleas for clemency were rejected, leading to his execution by hanging in 2016. Human rights organizations criticized the lack of judicial discretion, arguing for reform of capital punishment laws. The controversial circumstances surrounding his case prompted debate across the region about the ethics and efficacy of the death sentence. Kho's story remains a touchstone in conversations on justice and human rights.

Gary Wilson was an American researcher and activist who became a leading voice in the anti-pornography movement. Born in 1956, he founded YourBrainOnPorn.com to raise awareness about the potential psychological and neurological impacts of excessive porn consumption. Drawing on scientific studies and personal anecdotes, Wilson delivered lectures worldwide, sparking conversations on modern media consumption and mental health. His accessible presentations and writings reached millions online, influencing both public discourse and clinical discussions. While controversial, his work encouraged further research into the effects of digital media on the brain. Wilson's advocacy continues to inform debates on media ethics and personal well-being.

Ivan Boesky rose to prominence in the 1970s as a pioneering arbitrageur, amassing substantial wealth through risk arbitrage strategies. His career took a dramatic turn in the mid-1980s when he became embroiled in one of the largest insider trading scandals in U.S. history. Boesky pleaded guilty to securities fraud charges and received a record settlement and prison sentence, triggering renewed regulatory scrutiny. He authored the book "All About Modern Money Management" after his release, offering insights into financial markets and ethics. The scandal prompted stricter enforcement of insider trading laws and reshaped compliance practices on Wall Street. Boesky remained a cautionary figure in finance, his story often cited in discussions about market integrity and regulation. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 87, remembered both for his market prowess and his infamous fall from grace.