June 28

Born in Antwerp in 1527, Ortelius trained as a map engraver and compiled geographic knowledge into his landmark work, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, published in 1570. This atlas standardized map presentation and included diverse regional maps with descriptive texts. Ortelius corresponded with scholars across Europe, gathering data from explorers and travelers. His work laid the groundwork for modern cartography and promoted a more systematic understanding of world geography. He served as a geographer to King Philip II of Spain and continued to revise and expand his atlas until his death in 1598.

Maria Mitchell was born in 1818 on Nantucket Island and developed an early passion for astronomy under her father's guidance. In 1847, she discovered a new comet, earning international recognition and a gold medal from the King of Denmark. Mitchell became the first professional female astronomer in the United States when she joined Vassar College in 1865. There, she founded the college observatory and served as its director, mentoring generations of women scientists. She published extensively on celestial phenomena and was a strong advocate for women's education and suffrage. Mitchell's lectures and writings inspired many to pursue careers in science. She passed away in 1889, leaving a lasting impact on American astronomy and women's role in academia.

Mehmet Fuat Köprülü (1890–1966) was a prominent Turkish historian, scholar, and statesman. He is considered one of the founders of modern Turkish historiography, specializing in Ottoman and Turkish cultural studies. Köprülü served as Turkey's Minister of National Education and later as the 21st Deputy Prime Minister. During his tenure, he reformed educational institutions and promoted the study of Turkish language and literature. As a politician, he influenced cultural policy in the early Turkish Republic and supported academic research. His extensive publications continue to shape the study of Turkish history and philology.

Vannevar Bush (1890–1974) was an influential American engineer and science administrator. He directed the U.S. Office of Scientific Research and Development during World War II, coordinating critical military research. Bush played a key role in the development of radar, the atomic bomb project, and early computing concepts. In 1945, he published 'As We May Think', proposing the memex, a theoretical precursor to hypertext and the World Wide Web. After the war, he advocated for government-supported scientific research, leading to the creation of the National Science Foundation. His vision and leadership profoundly shaped modern information technology and U.S. science policy.

Born in Jerusalem in 1917, Yadin joined the Haganah and served with distinction in Israel's War of Independence, becoming the country's second Chief of Staff. He later pursued archaeology at Oxford, and in 1952 he led the expedition that uncovered the final caves containing the Dead Sea Scrolls. Yadin directed major excavations at Masada from 1963 to 1965 and worked on Hazor and other ancient sites, publishing influential studies on Israel's biblical archaeology. Entering politics in 1977, he held roles including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Religion. Yadin's dual legacy as a soldier and scholar shaped Israel's national identity and academic fields alike. He died in 1984, leaving behind a rich archaeological and public service heritage.

Dr. Richard Isay (1934-2012) was a board-certified psychiatrist and Jungian psychoanalyst recognized for his groundbreaking work on homosexuality and mental health. As a clinical professor at Columbia University, he authored the seminal book 'Being Homosexual', which argued that homosexuality is a normal variant of human sexuality. He served on the American Psychiatric Association's committees to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders. Isay co-founded the Division of Psychoanalysis at Columbia University and mentored countless clinicians. His advocacy helped transform attitudes toward LGBTQ individuals within the psychiatric community.

Born in 1932, Tamás Katona was a respected academic specializing in medieval and constitutional history at Eötvös Loránd University. His scholarly research shed new light on Hungary's legal traditions and political development over centuries. Following the fall of communism, Katona served as a member of the National Assembly from 1990 to 1994, representing the Hungarian Democratic Forum. In parliament, he advocated for educational reform and cultural preservation initiatives. Throughout his career, he authored numerous influential works that remain key references in Hungarian historiography.

Kenneth Minogue was born in 1930 and became a leading figure in 20th-century political thought. His landmark book 'The Liberal Mind' offered a critical assessment of liberal ideology and earned international recognition. Minogue held professorships at the University of Queensland and the Australian National University, where he mentored generations of political theorists. His scholarship spanned comparative politics, ideology, and the philosophy of social science. Through his writings and lectures, he left a lasting impact on conservative and classical liberal discourse worldwide.

F. D. Reeve was born in 1928 and became a distinguished professor of literature at City College of New York. He authored several collections of poetry and was praised for his lyrical style and thematic depth. As a translator, Reeve introduced English-speaking audiences to major Russian poets, earning acclaim for his accuracy and poetic sensitivity. He served as the father of actor Christopher Reeve and played an active role in New York's literary community. His contributions to both creative writing and literary scholarship have inspired students and readers across generations.