October 17

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Ralph Wilson served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before entering the insurance business. In 1959, he invested in the newly formed American Football League and secured the franchise that would become the Buffalo Bills. Wilson remained the team's owner for over five decades, guiding the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s. He was one of the last surviving original AFL owners and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. Beyond football, Wilson was a noted philanthropist, contributing to numerous charitable and educational causes in Western New York.

Born in 1931 in Muriaé, José Alencar overcame humble beginnings to build Coteminas into one of Brazil's largest textile companies. His leadership in industry led him to enter politics, where he was elected Vice President alongside President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Alencar became known for his pragmatic approach to economic policy and advocacy for free enterprise, even during his battle with cancer. He played a key role in shaping Brazil's economic growth strategy in the 2000s, balancing social inclusion with industrial development. Alencar's legacy endures as a symbol of entrepreneurship and public service in Brazil.

Michael Eavis (born 1935) is an English dairy farmer best known for founding the Glastonbury Festival in 1970 on his Somerset farm. Inspired by the ethos of free festivals and the 1969 Bath Festival of Blues, Eavis turned his land into one of the world’s largest music and performing arts events. He has overseen the festival’s growth from a few hundred attendees to over 200,000, showcasing music, theater, dance, and visual arts. Beyond Glastonbury, Eavis has been active in local community causes and charity efforts, including support for music education. His friendly persona and commitment to arts and culture have made him a beloved figure in festival history. Eavis’s legacy endures through the continuing success and creative spirit of Glastonbury.

Peter Stringfellow (1940–2018) was a British entrepreneur who built an international nightclub empire, opening his first venue in Sheffield before expanding to London and New York. Known for his flamboyant style and sharp business acumen, he attracted celebrities and high society to his exclusive clubs. Stringfellow's venues became cultural hotspots for music, glamour, and celebrity sightings. He authored an autobiography, The Cowboy Rides Again, sharing stories from his colorful career. His legacy endures in the nightlife world through the iconic Stringfellows brand and its impact on club culture.

Pat McCrory is an American politician and former mayor of Charlotte who served as North Carolina's 74th governor. Born in 1956 in Columbus, Ohio, he moved to North Carolina and built a career in public service. As mayor of Charlotte from 1995 to 2009, he oversaw significant urban development and economic growth. Elected governor in 2012, he focused on job creation, education reform, and infrastructure investment. After his term ended in 2017, McCrory remained active in policy advocacy and private sector initiatives. His blend of business experience and political leadership has shaped North Carolina's modern landscape.

Simon Segars is an English technology executive who led Arm Holdings from 2013 to 2022. Born in 1967, he graduated from the University of Cambridge with a degree in engineering. He joined ARM (now Arm Holdings) in 1991 and held several R&D and executive roles. As CEO, he oversaw the company's 2016 public offering and strategic partnerships that expanded its global presence. Segars played a key role in advancing low-power processor technology that powers billions of mobile devices worldwide.