February 01

Agda Meyerson was born in Sweden in 1866 and trained as a professional nurse. She became a leading advocate for nursing reform and established standards for training programs. Meyerson founded nursing schools and led efforts to improve hospital hygiene and patient care. She promoted public health initiatives and raised awareness of nurses' roles in society. Her activism contributed to the recognition of nursing as a respected profession in Sweden. She died in 1924, remembered as a pioneer in healthcare education and women's professional advancement.

Alfréd Hajós (1878–1955) was a Hungarian athlete and architect celebrated as the first Olympic swimming champion at the 1896 Athens Games. He won gold medals in both the 100-meter and 1,200-meter freestyle events, becoming a national hero. After retiring from sports, he studied architecture and designed notable buildings such as the Grand Hotel Aranybika. Hajós also played a key role in developing Hungary's athletic and architectural institutions. His dual legacy as an Olympian and architect has made him a unique figure in his country's history.

Bradbury Robinson (1884–1949) was an American football player who is credited with throwing the first legal forward pass in college football history. As a halfback at Saint Louis University under coach Eddie Cochems, he helped revolutionize the game in 1906. After his athletic career, Robinson pursued medicine and earned his M.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. He practiced as a physician in Minnesota and remained active in his community. His groundbreaking pass and medical career made him a notable figure in both sports and medicine.

Therese Brandl served as an SS guard at several Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz-Birkenau. She was known for her cruelty and was implicated in the selection of prisoners for the gas chambers. After the war, Brandl was tried by Polish authorities and found guilty of war crimes. She received a death sentence and was executed in 1948. Brandl's actions remain a stark reminder of the horrors committed in Nazi death camps. Her case is studied in Holocaust history as an example of the systemic brutality of the SS camp staff.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Jessica Savitch began her broadcasting career in radio and local television. She joined NBC News in 1976, becoming co-anchor of the network’s flagship evening newscast, NBC Nightly News. Savitch was known for her poised delivery, in-depth reporting, and interviews with world leaders. In 1980, she became a pioneer as one of the first women to anchor a major network evening news program. Her career was tragically cut short in 1983 when she died in a car accident at the age of 36. Savitch’s legacy lives on as a trailblazer who opened doors for women in television journalism.

Born in 1965, Stéphanie is the youngest child of Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Hollywood actress Grace Kelly. She has dabbled in modeling, pop music, and fashion, releasing hit singles in the 1980s. Stéphanie founded the Fight AIDS Monaco association and remains active in charitable causes, particularly those supporting children and HIV/AIDS research. As Honorary President of the Monaco Red Cross, she continues her family’s tradition of public service, blending royal duties with humanitarian efforts.

Born in 1969 in Los Angeles, Andrew Breitbart began his career blogging for the Huffington Post before co-founding it. In 2007, he launched Breitbart News, becoming a leading voice in conservative media. He authored books such as Righteous Indignation and helped pioneer digital news activism. Breitbart was known for his provocative style and influence on modern political commentary. He passed away in 2012, but his media network remains a significant force in journalism.

Leymah Gbowee (born February 1, 1972) is a Liberian peace activist awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011. She organized a nonviolent women’s movement that played a pivotal role in ending the Second Liberian Civil War in 2003. Gbowee founded the Women Peace and Security Network Africa, promoting women’s leadership in conflict resolution across the continent. Her efforts brought Christian and Muslim women together in a groundbreaking peace protest. She continues to work globally on peacebuilding, mentorship, and advocacy for women’s rights.

Phil Ivey (born February 1, 1976) is an American professional poker player. Nicknamed 'The Tiger Woods of Poker', he is considered one of the game's all-time greats. Ivey has won ten World Series of Poker bracelets and one World Poker Tour title. He excels in both tournament and high-stakes cash games around the world. Known for his psychological insight and aggressive style, he has over $30 million in tournament winnings. Off the felt, he is involved in business ventures and charitable activities. Ivey's legacy includes mentoring rising poker talents and shaping modern poker strategy.