Lawrence J. Ellison had an early aptitude for mathematics, and worked as a young man for Ampex Corporation. One of his projects was a database for the CIA, which he named "Oracle". Co-founder of the second largest software company in the world, Ellison has been Oracle's Chief Executive Officer and a director since the company’s inception in June 1977. Putting up $2,000 of his own money to start Oracle, Ellison is reported to be one of the richest people in America . Ellison commands respect from his peers for his leadership of the world's premier database-software company. In 2005, Forbes reported that Ellison has a net worth of around $18.4 billion, making him the ninth richest man in the world.

Very few names in broadcast journalism are as recognizable as Peter Jennings. Jennings was ten years old when he received his first anchor job for Peter's Program, a Saturday morning radio show which showcased young talent. As a student, he exhibited little interest in formal education. However, his interests and talent in the area of news would demonstrate his capacity and willingness to learn. He began his professional career as a disc jockey and news reporter for a small radio station in Brockton, Ontario, and like many reporters who achieve major success his opportunity to make a name for himself came with breaking news. Jennings was noticed by ABC News who recognized his good looks and charm as elements that would sell to the American public. Shortly after, in 1964, Jennings joined ABC as an anchor for a 15-minute evening news segment. In an unprecedented rise to the top,Jennings , at 27, became the youngest ABC Evening News anchor.

Snyder, a very successful media entrepreneur, is owner of Snyder Communications Inc. and the youngest owner in the NFL. Although he made his fortune in advertising, he is best known as the owner and chairman of the Washington Redskins National Football League franchise. In 1999, he purchased the team and their stadium for $800 million.

As of 2004, the Redskins' income exceeds all other NFL teams by nearly $40 million, making them the highest grossing team in the National Football League.

Steven Spielberg went to Long Beach University, but dropped out to pursue his entertainment career. Steven Spielberg got his first contract as a TV director when he was 20 years old. No director or producer has ever put together a more popular body of work. Spielberg is arguably the most financially successful motion picture director of all time. He has helmed an astounding number of feature films that have become enormous box-office hits, which has given him enormous influence in Hollywood.

In his earlier years, Lincoln made extraordinary efforts to attain knowledge while working on a farm, splitting rails for fences, and keeping store at New Salem, Illinois. He was a captain in the Black Hawk War, spent eight years in the Illinois legislature, and rode the circuit of courts for many years. His law partner said of him, "His ambition was a little engine that knew no rest." Abraham Lincoln is remembered for his vital role as the leader in preserving the Union during the Civil War and beginning the process that led to the end of slavery in the United States. He is also remembered for his character, his speeches and letters, and as a man of humble origins whose determination and perseverance led him to the nation's highest office.

Frank Lloyd Wright, Americas most famous architect, developed his own methods himself before the field of architecture became a formal discipline. His style, which he called "organic architecture," is still the object of study today. Wright never retired; he died on April 9, 1959 at the age of ninety-two in Arizona. By the time of his death, he had become internationally recognized for his innovative building style and contemporary designs. He had created 1,141 designs, of which 532 were completed.