‘Time’: Three Major Donors Make ‘Influential’ List

Several philanthropists are among Time magazine’s list of the most influential people in the world (May 14). Among them: Paul Allen, Warren Buffett, and Oprah Winfrey. Also making the list are two leaders of nonprofit institutions: Drew Gilpin Faust, who in July will become the first female president of Harvard University, and Michael J. Fox, whose charity seeks to assist people with Parkinson’s disease.

The magazine asked people who knew those being honored to write about what made them special.

Melinda Gates wrote about Mr. Buffett, who donated the bulk of his fortune to the foundation she and her husband, Bill, founded. “The Warren I know is not just a great philanthropist or businessman,” she writes. “He’s also a fantastic teacher. Over the years, Warren has talked to thousands of college students, usually in informal sessions in which his sense of humor and high ethical standards shine through.”

Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, applauds Ms. Winfrey for her donations and work to build a school for girls in Johannesburg. “The school is important,” he writes, “because it will change the trajectory of these girls’ lives and it will brighten the future of all women in South Africa.”

The articles about the 100 influential people are available online.