January 08

Nicholas Biddle was a leading American financier and the third and final president of the Second Bank of the United States from 1823 to 1836. Under his leadership, the Bank stabilized the young nation’s currency, regulated state banks, and facilitated economic growth. Biddle’s fiscal policies and the Bank’s recharter battles with President Andrew Jackson culminated in the ‘Bank War,’ a pivotal conflict over federal economic power. After the Bank’s charter expired, Biddle organized a rescue plan for its creditors but ultimately saw it liquidated. He later supported education and cultural institutions in Philadelphia, leaving a legacy as a key figure in early American banking.

Frank Nelson Doubleday began his career in publishing at Charles Scribner's Sons before establishing his own firm, Doubleday, Page & Company, in 1897. Under his leadership, the company published major authors such as Rudyard Kipling, Henry James, and John Galsworthy, rapidly gaining a reputation for quality literature. Doubleday was known for his keen eye for talent and innovative marketing strategies, including early book clubs and promotional campaigns. His publishing house played a central role in shaping American reading habits in the early 20th century. Beyond business, Doubleday was a patron of the literary arts and supported numerous writers, fostering a culture of creativity and scholarship. By the time of his retirement, his company had become one of the largest and most respected publishers in the English-speaking world.

Bill Graham (1931–1991) was a German-American impresario renowned for revolutionizing live rock music promotion. After emigrating to the U.S., he founded the Fillmore Auditorium and produced iconic concerts by the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix. Graham's innovative approach emphasized top-tier sound and lighting to enhance the audience experience. He launched legendary events such as Winterland and Day on the Green festivals. He managed international tours and mentored a generation of music promoters. Graham's tragic death in a helicopter crash cemented his status as a legend in concert production.

Born in 1939 in Caracas, Venezuela, Carolina Herrera launched her eponymous fashion label in 1981, blending Latin flair with classic sophistication. Her designs quickly attracted high-profile clients, including Jacqueline Onassis, Michelle Obama, and Halle Berry, for their impeccable tailoring and graceful silhouettes. Herrera expanded her brand to include ready-to-wear lines, accessories, and fragrances, building a global fashion empire. She was inducted into the CFDA Hall of Fame in 1998 in recognition of her influence on 20th-century style. Known for her attention to detail and use of vibrant colors, Herrera's collections continue to set benchmarks in elegance. Beyond design, she has become an icon of entrepreneurial success in the fashion industry.

Betsy DeVos is a prominent philanthropist and Republican leader known for championing school choice, charter schools, and voucher programs. Before her cabinet appointment in 2017 under President Trump, she co-founded and led Windquest Group and the Dick & Betsy DeVos Family Foundation. As Secretary of Education, she pursued policies to increase parental control over education and reduce federal regulatory oversight. Her tenure sparked nationwide debates on public school funding, civil rights protections, and the future of American education. Beyond politics, DeVos has supported numerous nonprofit initiatives in the arts, community development, and health care, reflecting her wide-ranging impact on American civic life.