December 24

Born in 1795, Johns Hopkins built a successful career as a merchant and banker in Baltimore. He amassed considerable wealth through trade and real estate investments, becoming one of the city's leading businessmen. In his will, Hopkins dedicated his fortune to creating a university and hospital that would advance knowledge and healthcare. The institutions opened in 1876 and introduced the German research university model to the United States. His vision emphasized the integration of education, research, and patient care, transforming American higher education and medicine. Johns Hopkins died in 1873, but his philanthropic legacy continues to influence global academia and health sciences.

Born in 1895, John Black built a successful career in British industry, specializing in manufacturing. He led several companies through periods of post-war reconstruction and economic growth. Black was recognized for his innovative management strategies and efforts to modernize production. Under his leadership, his firms expanded both domestically and internationally. He served on various business councils and industry associations, influencing economic policy. Black passed away in 1965, leaving a reputation as a forward-thinking corporate leader.

Burt Baskin was an American entrepreneur born in 1913. In 1945, he and his brother-in-law Irv Robbins founded Baskin-Robbins with a novel 31-flavor concept. Their focus on flavor variety and innovative marketing helped the company expand rapidly across the United States. Under Baskin's leadership, the business became a household name and set industry standards. He retired in the early 1960s but his brand continued to grow internationally. Baskin's impact endures as Baskin-Robbins remains one of the most recognized ice cream brands worldwide.

Born in Montreal in 1925, Péladeau began his career in the printing industry. He founded Quebecor in 1965, expanding it from a local printer to a national media conglomerate. Under his leadership, the company acquired newspapers, television stations, and book publishers. Péladeau championed francophone culture and media during Quebec's Quiet Revolution. He served as chairman until his death and influenced generations of Canadian entrepreneurs. He died on December 24, 1997, leaving a powerful corporate legacy in North America.

Bill Bowerman (1911-1999) was an influential American track and field coach and co-founder of Nike, Inc. He led the University of Oregon's track team to multiple NCAA championships and coached numerous Olympians. Bowerman was known for experimenting with shoe designs, including the waffle sole. In 1964, he partnered with Phil Knight to launch Nike, which went on to become a global athletic brand. His commitment to performance and innovation transformed the sports footwear industry.

John Cooper (1923-2000) was an English racing driver and engineer who co-founded the Cooper Car Company. His innovative designs helped popularize the rear-engine layout in Formula One and influenced sports car design worldwide. Cooper cars won the Formula One World Championship in 1959 and 1960. He also created the Mini Cooper, transforming the economy car into a performance icon. Cooper's legacy continues in automotive engineering and motorsport today.

Frank Stanton served as president and later chairman of CBS from 1946 to 1973, guiding the network through the golden age of radio and the rise of television. Born in 1908, he graduated from Yale University and began his career in radio broadcasting. Under Stanton’s leadership, CBS News became an industry standard, and he championed landmark programs such as 60 Minutes and Edward R. Murrow’s reports. He also oversaw the expansion of network sports coverage and innovations in broadcasting technology. After leaving CBS, Stanton contributed to public service on the U.S. National Security Council and as a trustee of cultural institutions. His tenure at CBS fundamentally transformed American media and set enduring standards for journalistic excellence.

George Warrington was a prominent American transportation executive who directed major rail systems in the United States. Born in 1952, he served as president of New Jersey Transit in the 1990s before being appointed president of Amtrak in 1998. During his tenure at Amtrak, Warrington focused on improving service reliability and infrastructure modernization. He later returned to New Jersey Transit to oversee further service expansions and capital projects. Known for his hands-on leadership style, he advocated for public investment in rail transport and worked closely with federal and state agencies. His career helped shape the development of passenger rail services along the East Coast.