George Gates

George Gates was an iconic American general who helped repel the British invasion of New York in 1777. His victory opened the door for France to form an alliance with America a year later, in 1778.

He was an active participant in the founding of the church in Haddam, Connecticut. Along with other settlers on the east side of the Connecticut River, he petitioned for permission to form their own ecclesiastical society and was granted it.

Early Life and Education

Early experiences and environments can have a lasting effect on a child’s development. Positive influences and experiences can propel them down an advantageous path, while detrimental ones may have detrimental effects on their learning, health, and social functioning.

The period from birth to eight years is an incredibly critical period in a child’s brain development. It provides them with a window of opportunity in terms of education and represents one of their most formative years.

UNESCO believes that early childhood care and education (ECCE) not only prepares children for primary school but also promotes holistic development, gender equality and social cohesion. As such, UNESCO has identified it as a crucial investment in fostering positive social and emotional wellbeing throughout life.

Professional Career

Over his professional career, Gates has held various leadership roles. He was previously Secretary of Defense and Director of Central Intelligence; additionally he served as Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser at the White House.

Gates has received numerous awards and honors for his services to the country. Additionally, he has served on a number of boards and committees.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary, an MA in history from Indiana University, as well as a doctorate in Russian/Soviet history from Georgetown University. Additionally, he was previously an air force officer and intelligence officer at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

He has been a longtime supporter of Wagner College, making several significant gifts over the years. He holds a deep conviction about the value of education and giving back to his community.

Achievements and Honors

Gates made his mark in academia through his studies of black history and literature. He helped uncover the earliest African American novel, Our Nig, and spearheaded African American studies at Harvard University, elevating it to a prestigious institution.

Gates made numerous contributions to public service throughout his career, serving as Secretary of Defense from 2006 until 2011 and being elected president of the Boy Scouts of America in 2015.

Gates has achieved national notoriety through his work on black history, advocacy for civil rights and commitment to higher education. He uses advanced technology and popular media to spread awareness about black culture – particularly through his Little Known Black History Facts booklet set.

Personal Life

George Gates ’74 committed himself to something for the long term. After being invalided out of the army in 1946, he became a trade unionist, serving as elected shop steward and later full-time official for Transport & General Workers Union until his retirement at 60 years old.

George and his family were active members of the Haddam church during his youth. They lived on a series of adjacent lots on the west side of the Connecticut River, facing it from their home lot as well as another lot to its west, known as Creek Row.

Net Worth

Gates has an estimated net worth of $129 billion, ranking him fourth on the list of the world’s richest people. His fortune is largely due to his investment in Microsoft, a company he co-founded in 1975 and continues to lead today.

He owns a substantial real estate portfolio, including an expansive Wyoming Ranch and private island. These assets, along with his other investments, are managed by his privately-owned investment firm Cascade.

Gates also donates a substantial portion of his wealth to charity. His Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the world, having donated billions to various causes worldwide.