December 31

Born into the powerful Gonzaga family of Mantua, Eleonora married Duke Francesco Maria I della Rovere of Urbino in 1509, strengthening political alliances between major Italian states. After her husband's death in 1538, she served as regent for her young son Guidobaldo II, overseeing the duchy's administration. Eleonora was renowned for her patronage of artists, musicians, and scholars, helping to make Urbino a center of Renaissance culture. She commissioned new works of architecture and was known for her cultivated court, which attracted figures like Pietro Bembo and Titian. Throughout her long widowhood, she managed estates and continued to influence regional politics and art. Her legacy remains tied to the flourishing of humanist thought and artistic achievement in 16th-century Italy.

Daughter of King Manuel I of Portugal and Maria of Aragon, Beatrice married Charles III, Duke of Savoy, in 1521, forging a strategic alliance between Portugal and the Duchy of Savoy. She bore several children, including Emmanuel Philibert, who later became Duke of Savoy and a significant figure in European politics. As duchess, she managed court affairs and supported cultural and charitable initiatives within Savoyard territories. Beatrice maintained close diplomatic ties with Portugal, facilitating trade and political cooperation across the Mediterranean. Her health declined during a series of pregnancies, leading to her early death in 1538. Despite her short life, she left a lasting impact on dynastic politics and the cultural connections between Iberian and Italian courts.

Born in Wiltshire, Forman began his career as an apprentice apothecary before developing a reputation as a healer and astrologer in London. He combined medical practice with astrological readings, attracting clients from various social strata, including poets and courtiers. Forman's extensive diaries and casebooks record medical treatments, birth charts, and personal anecdotes, providing a rare window into Elizabethan life. He claimed to communicate with spirits and interpreted celestial phenomena to diagnose illnesses and predict events. Although controversial, his methods exemplified the era's blending of science, medicine, and the occult. Forman's writings are now valuable historical sources for the study of early modern medicine and astrology.

Princess Victoria Adelaide of Schleswig-Holstein (December 31, 1885 – April 3, 1970) was born into the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg. In 1905, she married Duke Charles Edward of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, becoming Duchess consort. During her tenure, she supported social and charitable initiatives, including hospitals and youth programs in her duchy. After World War I and the abdication of the German monarchies, she dedicated herself to philanthropic efforts, focusing on education and welfare. Her life spanned dramatic changes in European history, from empire to modern republics.

Simon Wiesenthal was a Ukrainian-born Austrian Nazi hunter who devoted his life to documenting the crimes of the Holocaust and bringing war criminals to justice. A survivor of multiple concentration camps, he founded the Jewish Documentation Center in Vienna to gather evidence and assist in the prosecution of perpetrators. Wiesenthal's investigations led to the capture of several high-profile Nazis. He authored books recounting his experiences and the importance of remembrance. His tireless work made him a symbol of moral courage and human rights advocacy.

Carl Dudley was an American filmmaker who directed, produced, and wrote documentaries and feature films for cinema and television. His career spanned from the 1940s to the early 1970s, during which he crafted works that explored human stories and social themes. Dudley's documentaries often highlighted everyday life and cultural subjects with a cinematic approach. As a screenwriter, he brought compelling narratives to the screen and collaborated with notable producers of his time. His versatile talents made him a respected figure in the film industry.

Jaime Escalante emigrated from Bolivia to the United States and began teaching mathematics in East Los Angeles in the 1970s. At Garfield High School, he implemented rigorous teaching methods that led dozens of underprivileged students to pass the AP Calculus exam. His story was immortalized in the 1988 film 'Stand and Deliver', starring Edward James Olmos. Escalante's work challenged educational stereotypes and demonstrated the potential of high expectations. He received the Presidential Medal for Excellence in Education and numerous teaching awards. Even after retiring, he continued to mentor educators and advocate for math education equity.

Roy Greenslade is a British journalist who has written for major newspapers like The Guardian and The Daily Mirror. He began his career in the 1970s, covering media and politics. In 2005 he joined The Guardian as media editor, where he maintained a popular blog on journalism affairs. Greenslade has also held academic positions, including serving as Professor of Journalism at City, University of London. His work focuses on media regulation, press ethics, and the impact of digital technology on news. He is a frequent commentator on the evolution of journalism and has authored several books on media and society.

Eric Robson began his career in journalism, contributing to newspapers and magazines across the UK. He has authored several books exploring natural landscapes, local history, and cultural heritage. Robson's work is celebrated for its evocative storytelling and deep research into regional traditions. He has also worked as a broadcaster, sharing his passion for the outdoors with radio and television audiences. Throughout his career, Robson has been recognized for fostering an appreciation of Britain's countryside and history. His writings continue to inspire readers interested in environmental and cultural subjects.

Hermann Tilke (born December 31, 1954) is a German engineer, architect, and former racing driver. He founded Tilke Engineers & Architects, specializing in the design of international motorsport circuits. His portfolio includes iconic tracks such as the Yas Marina Circuit and the Bahrain International Circuit. Tilke's designs are celebrated for combining challenging layouts with modern safety and spectator facilities. Before his design career, he competed in touring car racing events across Europe. Through his innovative approach, he has become one of the most influential figures in modern motorsport infrastructure.

Jeremy Heywood was a career civil servant who rose to become Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service from 2012 to 2018. He began in Whitehall in the 1980s and served as Principal Private Secretary to Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Heywood played a central role in key policy decisions during the Iraq War, the 2008 financial crisis, and the UK's EU referendum. Known for his discreet style and deep institutional knowledge, he was honored with a knighthood in 2014. Heywood battled lung cancer privately before his death in 2018, leaving a legacy as one of the most influential advisers in modern British government.

Carlos Morales Quintana (born December 31, 1970) is a Spanish-Danish architect recognized for his innovative residential and commercial projects. After completing his studies in architecture, he founded a firm celebrated for its luxury coastal villas. Morales Quintana also pursues competitive sailing, participating in national and international regattas. His architectural designs often draw inspiration from nautical themes, reflecting his passion for maritime culture. Through his multidisciplinary career, he demonstrates a unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and sporting spirit.