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See what remarkable builders and entrepreneurs achieved at age 89
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Notable Achievements at Age 89
Pledged $110M to University of Michigan (largest gift in school history)
Announced a $110 million gift to build a multidisciplinary graduate residence; included $10M for graduate fellowships. Gift included design input by Munger.
Net worth estimated at $107B (May 2025)
Bloomberg/Wikipedia reported Ortega's net worth at about $107 billion in May 2025, ranking him as the second-wealthiest person in Europe.
Google Doodle commemorates his birthday
On what would have been his 89th birthday (29 Sep 2023) Google featured a commemorative Doodle honoring Csikszentmihalyi and his concept of flow.
Posthumous assessments and obituaries
Major journals and newspapers (New York Times, Lancet, Nature, BMJ) published obituaries noting his role in HIV discovery and later controversies.
Estimated net worth at death (~$80M)
Investopedia and other reports estimate John Bogle's net worth at approximately $80 million at the time of his death in 2019.
Warren Buffett tribute
Following Bogle's death, Warren Buffett publicly credited Bogle with doing more for American investors than any individual he'd known.
Warned publicly about index funds concentrating corporate voting power
Sounded a warning (Wall Street Journal/press) that passive indexing concentration could give too much voting power to a few firms (Vanguard, BlackRock, State Street).
Appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Performed stand-up on The Tonight Show (Jan 24, 2007) and chatted with Jay Leno; Leno stated she occasionally contributed jokes to him.
Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
In January 1977 President Gerald Ford presented Georgia O'Keeffe with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Left Parliament (retired)
Retired from the House of Commons after more than six decades as an MP (service 1900–1964).
Son John Quincy Adams elected President (6th U.S. President)
John Quincy Adams won the 1824 election, continuing the Adams political family legacy.
Posthumous celebration at MIT
MIT Media Lab hosted a celebration of Papert's life and work (January 26, 2017) with tributes from colleagues and students.
Paramount lot administration building renamed 'Sumner Redstone Building'
Paramount Pictures renamed its Administration Building on the studio lot the Sumner Redstone Building in a dedication ceremony.
PBS NewsHour performance video published
A performance clip of Sonia Sanchez was published by PBS NewsHour (Feb 7, 2023) showing continued engagement with national media.
Honorary degree from York University
Received an honorary degree from York University in 2023.
Helen Dinerman Award
Presented with the Helen Dinerman Award of the World Association for Public Opinion Research (2023).
💡 What this means for you
At age 89, you're at a pivotal point where many successful entrepreneurs made their breakthrough. Whether you're building your first company or scaling an existing one, these examples show what's possible with focus and execution.
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