July 20

Demetrius Vikelas was born in 1835 and became a successful merchant and writer before taking an active role in the revival of the Olympic Games. Elected as the first president of the International Olympic Committee in 1894, he oversaw the inaugural modern Olympics held in Athens in 1896. Vikelas also authored plays, essays, and translations, contributing to Greek literature and culture. His leadership helped establish the Olympic movement as an international institution. Vikelas's legacy endures in the ongoing global celebration of sport and unity he helped to initiate.

Calouste Gulbenkian, nicknamed 'Mr Five Percent', was a pioneering oil entrepreneur who shaped the global petroleum industry. He helped negotiate the creation of the Turkish Petroleum Company and secured a personal five percent share that made him immensely wealthy. A passionate art collector, he amassed a vast collection of antiquities, manuscripts, and paintings from around the world. Gulbenkian devoted much of his fortune to philanthropy, establishing the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in 1956. The foundation continues to support education, science, and the arts internationally, reflecting his commitment to cultural exchange. His legacy endures through museums, scholarships, and initiatives that foster creativity and learning.

Born in 1926 in Castres, France, Pierre Fabre established his own pharmacy after earning his pharmaceutical degree. In 1962, he founded Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, which grew into one of Europe’s leading independent pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetic groups. Under his leadership, the company launched iconic brands like Avène, Ducray, and Klorane. Fabre was committed to sustainable development and research, investing heavily in scientific innovation and environmental stewardship. He was honored as a Commander of the Legion of Honor before his death in 2013, and his foundation continues his philanthropic legacy.

Victor George Atiyeh (1923-2014) was an American businessman and politician. He served two terms as the 32nd Governor of Oregon from 1979 to 1987. Born to Syrian-Lebanese immigrant parents, he was the first Arab-American governor in U.S. history. Prior to his governorship, Atiyeh served in the Oregon State Legislature for two decades. He championed economic development, job creation, and fiscal conservatism during his tenure. Atiyeh led Oregon through a national recession and helped attract major businesses to the state. After leaving office, he remained active in public service and philanthropy. He passed away in 2014 at the age of 91.