Some of the names on Gates 2016 list may ring a bell while others may encourage further investigation.
Starting off the list is former US President Jimmy Carter. Gates finds Carter's long and illustrious life, career, and marriage impressive.
This fall Melinda and I were lucky enough to go to Plains, Georgia and spend an evening with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. At 92, Jimmy Carter hasn’t slowed down. For most, being President of the United States would be the high point of their public lives. For Jimmy Carter, it was just the start of a long career dedicated to human rights causes. He’s won the United Nations Human Rights Prize and the Nobel Peace Prize. He started the Carter Center, which continues to work on improving the health of the poorest, including ending guinea worm. He’s an author. (I just read his book, A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety, a strikingly honest memoir about his private and public life.) He continues to teach as well. Every month, he and Rosalynn go to Emory University, where he lectures in the departments of global health, political science, theology and holds open Q&A sessions with students. At home, he keeps busy too. During a tour of his home, Jimmy showed Melinda and me how he spent the last few years rebuilding the house himself. He also shared some paintings he’s done—in his spare time! His life should be an inspiration to all of us.
Next up, is self-proclaimed Nerd Farmer Nate Bowling who was deemed Washington State Teacher of the Year this year.