After World War II, William Gates, Sr. used his GI Bill benefits to earn a law degree. He later became an advocate for similar legislation that would benefit the current generation. He enjoyed a remarkable 30+ year career in a law firm that bears his name. In 1994, he accepted the challenge to guide the vision and strategic direction of the William H. Gates Foundation, which became the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. He has earned global respect in his role as Co-Chairman of the world’s largest philanthropic foundation. For his selfless service he has earned the Winston Churchill Leadership award, the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service and the United Nations Association’s Humanitarian Millennium Leadership Award.
