August 25

James Lick began his career as a carpenter and piano maker before amassing wealth in real estate and agriculture. A philanthropic visionary, he bequeathed his estate to fund scientific research and public institutions. Most famously, his endowment financed the Lick Observatory atop Mount Hamilton, the first permanently occupied mountain observatory. Lick’s generosity also supported schools, churches, and civic improvements in California. Today, the observatory remains a testament to his commitment to science and community advancement.

George C. Magoun was born in 1840 and became a prominent figure in 19th-century American commerce. He played a key role in financing and managing railroad enterprises during a period of rapid expansion. Magoun served as president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, overseeing major network growth. His leadership helped establish efficient transportation links across the American Midwest. He was also known for his philanthropic support of educational and community institutions.

Joshua Lionel Cowen was born in New York City and showed an early talent for invention. In 1900 he co-founded the Lionel Manufacturing Company, initially producing electrical novelties. He soon shifted focus to electric toy trains, introducing the famous model 2-4-2 locomotive. Under his leadership, the Lionel Corporation became the dominant maker of toy trains in the United States. Cowen's designs popularized electric trains as both children's toys and adult collectibles. His entrepreneurial vision turned model railroading into a cultural phenomenon that endures today.

Born in Montreal, Mackasey built a career in business before entering politics. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1964, representing Verdun—Saint-Paul in Quebec. In 1972, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau appointed him Minister of Labour, where he negotiated key labor reforms. Mackasey championed workers’ rights and improved labor relations across Canada. After leaving politics, he returned to the private sector and continued public service on various boards. He passed away in 1999, remembered for bridging business acumen and public policy.

Giridharilal Kedia (1936–2009) was an Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded the Image Institute of Technology & Management to provide cutting-edge education in engineering and business. Under his guidance, the institute grew into a leading technical college serving thousands of students. Kedia pioneered industry-academia partnerships to enhance practical training. He established scholarship programs for students from under-resourced backgrounds. His dedication to education reform left a profound legacy in India's academic landscape.

Groenink earned his economics degree at the University of Groningen before joining the predecessor of ING. He rose through the ranks to become CFO and was appointed CEO of ING Group in 2003. Under his leadership, ING expanded internationally but faced major losses during the 2008 financial crisis. After stepping down in 2009, he transitioned to academia, teaching finance at Erasmus University Rotterdam. His career reflects both the opportunities and risks of global banking in the early 21st century.

Born in Bulte, West Germany in 1955, Gerd Müller trained in business administration before entering politics. He joined the Christian Social Union (CSU) and was elected to the Bundestag in 1994. From 2008 to 2013, he served as Bavarian State Minister for Food, Agriculture and Forestry. In 2013, he became Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, championing initiatives in poverty reduction and climate action. Müller has advocated for fair trade, renewable energy, and partnerships with emerging economies. He holds degrees in business and political science and continues to influence Germany's international development policies.