November 25

William Sawyer built a successful mercantile enterprise serving communities in Ontario and Quebec, trading goods and fostering economic growth. Entering politics, he represented his region in the provincial assembly, advocating infrastructure improvements such as road and rail expansion. Known for his practical approach to commerce and governance, Sawyer supported education and public works. His combined roles as entrepreneur and legislator helped shape early Canadian economic policy and community development.

Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919) was a Scottish-American industrialist who built the Carnegie Steel Company into a dominant force in late 19th-century American steel production. After selling his business to J.P. Morgan in 1901, he became one of the world's richest men and dedicated his fortune to philanthropy. Carnegie funded the construction of over 2,500 public libraries, as well as educational institutions, museums, and peace initiatives. He authored influential essays on wealth and social responsibility, including the tract The Gospel of Wealth. His legacy endures in countless libraries and charitable organizations around the globe.

Henry Ware Eliot (1843–1919) was an American industrialist who served as president of the Hydraulic-Press Manufacturing Company in St. Louis. Under his leadership, the company grew into a leading manufacturer of industrial equipment. He was an active philanthropist, supporting local educational and cultural institutions. Eliot was also the father of the renowned poet T.S. Eliot, fostering a literary environment in his family. His business acumen and civic engagement left a notable mark on the St. Louis community.

Karl Benz (1844–1929) was a pioneering German engineer and inventor who created the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in 1885, widely regarded as the first true automobile. He founded Benz & Cie., one of the world's earliest automobile companies, which later merged to form Mercedes-Benz. Benz's innovations in engine design, chassis construction, and automotive engineering laid the foundation for the modern automotive industry. His work revolutionized personal transport and spurred global industrial growth. Benz's legacy endures in the continued prominence of Mercedes-Benz as a leader in automotive technology.

Kate Gleason (November 25, 1865 – June 28, 1933) was an American mechanical engineer and business leader. She became the first woman elected to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and played a pivotal role in her family’s gear manufacturing firm, Gleason Works. Under her leadership, the company introduced groundbreaking gear-cutting and inspection machines that transformed industrial production. Gleason advocated for professional opportunities for women in engineering and supported technical education programs. She donated generously to institutions in Rochester and at Cornell University, establishing scholarships and funding campus buildings. Her legacy endures through the scholarships and educational initiatives that continue to empower future engineers.

Talaat Harb Pasha (November 25, 1867 – December 21, 1941) was an Egyptian economist, banker, and visionary entrepreneur. He established Banque Misr in 1920 as the first nationally owned Egyptian bank, aiming to free Egypt from foreign financial control. Harb spearheaded a nationwide industrialization campaign, founding companies in textiles, sugar, and cement that diversified the economy. He championed cultural development, sponsoring the Cairo Opera and supporting archaeological research. Under his guidance, Banque Misr expanded throughout the Middle East, solidifying its position as a premier regional institution. Harb’s work laid the foundation for modern Egypt’s financial and industrial sectors, earning him the title “Father of Egyptian National Economy.”

Fernance B. Perry was a Portuguese-American entrepreneur who built a successful career in business. He was known for his strategic leadership and commitment to community development. Throughout his life, he directed resources towards educational scholarships and cultural programs. Perry helped establish foundations aimed at promoting academic excellence and cross-cultural exchange. He was respected for his integrity, vision, and generosity. Colleagues remember him as a mentor and advocate for emerging leaders. His philanthropic efforts left a lasting impact on institutions in both the United States and Portugal.

John H. Lynch (born November 25, 1952) is an American businessman and politician. He co-founded a venture capital firm before entering politics in his home state of New Hampshire. Lynch was elected the 80th Governor of New Hampshire in 2004 and served four consecutive terms until 2013. During his tenure, he focused on economic growth, education reform, and environmental protection. He consistently left office with some of the highest approval ratings for a governor in U.S. history. After his governorship, Lynch remained active in civic and business affairs. His leadership blended fiscal conservatism with social progressivism, earning him bipartisan respect.

Jeffrey K. Skilling (born November 25, 1953) is an American businessman and former Enron executive. He joined Enron in the late 1980s and was instrumental in developing the company's trading business. Skilling became CEO in 2001 but resigned shortly before the firm's collapse amid accounting fraud revelations. He was convicted of fraud and insider trading and served over a decade in federal prison. His case became emblematic of corporate misconduct in the early 2000s. After his release, Skilling has maintained a low public profile. The Enron scandal continues to shape discussions on corporate ethics and governance.