November 11

Alfred Brehm was born in Germany and pursued studies in medicine and natural history at the University of Leipzig. He embarked on scientific expeditions to Africa, the Middle East, and Scandinavia to observe wildlife. His landmark work, 'Brehms Tierleben', blended scientific accuracy with engaging prose and illustrations. Brehm's accessible writing brought zoological knowledge to a broad public audience in the 19th century. He served as director of several German zoological gardens, promoting animal study and conservation. His publications influenced future generations of naturalists and popular science communication.

Born in 1895 in Helsinki, Artturi Ilmari Virtanen dedicated his career to advancing agricultural chemistry. He devised a revolutionary preservation technique that improved the nutritional quality and storage life of animal feed. For this groundbreaking work, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1945. Virtanen also served as a professor and led research institutes, shaping the future of food science and biochemistry in Finland. His innovations laid the groundwork for modern methods of food preservation before his death on November 11, 1973.

Born in Santiago in 1894, Alfonso Leng balanced a career as a dentist and professor with a passion for composition. He studied dentistry at the University of Chile and later became a leading figure in dental education. Simultaneously, he composed works such as the Rapsodia Chilena and orchestral suites that blended Chilean folk motifs with classical forms. As a founding member of the Chilean National Conservatory, he nurtured new generations of musicians. Leng's dual contributions to academia and music left a lasting impact on Chile's cultural heritage.

Born in New York City in 1915, Arthur Rothstein studied photography and joined the Farm Security Administration in 1936. As one of the agency's pioneering photographers, he captured iconic images of Dust Bowl migrants, sharecroppers and rural poverty during the Great Depression. His work raised public awareness of socioeconomic struggles and influenced generations of photojournalists. After World War II, Rothstein taught photography at institutions such as the University of Missouri and Yale. He continued to document American life through commercial and editorial assignments, bridging artistic vision with social commentary. His legacy endures through exhibitions, publications and the lasting impact of his compassionate lens.

Tadeusz Żychiewicz (1922–1994) was a Polish journalist, historian, and publicist whose work spanned several disciplines. He wrote extensively on Poland’s past, delving into historical events and cultural traditions with clarity and depth. As a publicist, Żychiewicz contributed commentary and analysis for leading newspapers and magazines, bringing scholarly perspectives to a wider audience. His journalistic style was marked by meticulous research and engaging prose. Through books, articles, and broadcasts, he fostered a deeper understanding of national identity and heritage. Żychiewicz’s contributions continue to inform and inspire students, scholars, and history enthusiasts.

Frances Ames was born in Cape Town and studied medicine at the University of Cape Town, later specializing in neurology and psychiatry. In 1979, she led the successful campaign to hold South African doctors accountable for misconduct in the death of activist Steve Biko. Ames became the first woman to receive a fellowship from the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. She served as a professor at UCT and authored key guidelines on medical ethics. Throughout her career, she advocated for vulnerable populations and helped shape modern standards for human rights in healthcare.

Peter Drucker was a pioneering management thinker whose ideas shaped modern business practices. He authored over 30 books on management, leadership, and organizational theory. Drucker introduced concepts such as management by objectives and decentralization. He served as a professor at New York University and Claremont Graduate University. His insights influenced managers and leaders across various industries worldwide. He continued writing and teaching until his death in 2005, leaving a profound legacy in business education.

Born in 1929, John S. Dunne was ordained as a Catholic priest and dedicated his life to theological scholarship and teaching. He served on the faculties of institutions such as the Catholic University of America and the University of Notre Dame, where he lectured on spirituality, Christian anthropology, and the concept of grace. Dunne authored numerous influential books that sought to bridge academic theology and everyday spiritual experience. His interdisciplinary approach combined rigorous scholarship with pastoral insight, making his work accessible to both scholars and lay readers. As a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, he mentored many students and helped shape modern Catholic thought. Dunne passed away in 2013, leaving a legacy as a profound thinker in contemporary theology.

Atilla Karaosmanoğlu (1931–2013) was a Turkish economist who played a pivotal role in shaping Turkey’s economic policies during the early 1980s. He studied economics abroad and held senior positions at the State Planning Organization before entering government service. Appointed as the 33rd Deputy Prime Minister in 1980, he oversaw major reforms aimed at liberalizing and stabilizing the Turkish economy. Known for his expertise in development planning, he also advised international financial institutions. He published numerous papers on economic policy and mentored a generation of economists in Turkey. His efforts left a lasting impact on Turkey’s path toward market-oriented growth.

Philip G. Hodge (1920–2014) was an influential American engineer and academic dedicated to the advancement of mechanical and structural engineering. He served on the faculties of leading universities, mentoring students and shaping engineering curricula. Hodge authored numerous research papers on material behavior and contributed to professional engineering societies. His work helped bridge theory and practical application in engineering design and mechanics. A respected educator, he received awards for teaching excellence and guided future generations of engineers through his scholarship and leadership.

Harry Lonsdale (1932–2014) was an American chemist who made significant contributions to polymer science before becoming an entrepreneur. He founded Bend Research, a company known for pharmaceutical and materials research, driving innovation in drug delivery and plastics. In the early 1990s, Lonsdale entered politics as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Oregon, advocating for environmental protection and government reform. Though unsuccessful in his bids, he remained active in civic causes and philanthropy. His interdisciplinary career bridged science, business, and public service, leaving a diverse legacy.

Rita Gross (1943–2015) was an influential American theologian who specialized in Buddhist-Christian dialogue and feminist theology. Her writings challenged traditional gender roles within religious traditions and advocated for inclusive spirituality. Gross authored several books, including works on women’s roles in Buddhism and comparative religion. She taught at institutions such as Concordia University and lectured internationally on religion and ethics. Her interdisciplinary approach bridged academic scholarship and activist engagement, inspiring a generation of religious scholars.