As we look back at the year 2025, here are some of the people and institutions that reached the century milestoneāand a few that went beyond 100. Each represents a living reminder that longevity is shaped by movement, purpose, creativity, and connection.
Celebrities
We all love our celebrities. As we reach our senior years, itās always nice to see what the performers of our time are still doing. Here are just a few from various entertainment fields.
Dick Van Dyke
One of the most recognized entertainers in the world, Dick Van Dyke was born on December 13, 1925. He is an actor, producer, and writer whose career launched into stardom with Bye Bye Birdie, both on Broadway and on film. He went on to star in numerous movies and successful television series, earning a Tony Award, multiple Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, Golden Globe Awards, Lifetime Achievement honors, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. One of his most memorable quotes is, āIāve retired so many times now itās getting to be a habit.ā His most memorableāand perhaps most tellingāline remains, āThe secret to keeping moving is keeping moving.ā
Eva Marie Saint
Born on July 4, 1924, Eva Marie Saint turned 101 in 2025, having recently crossed the 100-year milestone. Her film career spanned more than seven decades, earning her an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe nomination. Her notable films include On the Waterfront, North by Northwest, and Superman Returns, where she portrayed Martha Kent. Reflecting on life and aging, she once shared, āMy mom lived to be 91, and her advice was, āHoney, just keep moving.āā
Ray Anthony
Born Raymond Antonini on January 20, 1922, Ray Anthony was a renowned bandleader, trumpeter, songwriter, and actor. He was best known for his work with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and later collaborations with Jimmy Dorsey. In addition to his music career, he served as a summer replacement for Perry Como on CBS and NBC and ran Wood Records for nine years. His biggest hits included the theme songs for Dragnet and Peter Gunn. Reflecting on both music and life, he once said, āMusic puts wings on the human soul.ā On retirement, his philosophy was equally simple: āAs long as youāre able to keep doing it, I donāt think thereās any point in retiring.ā
Elisabeth Waldo
Born on June 18, 1918, Elisabeth Waldo was an American composer, violinist, and actress. Her work included Song of Mexico, The Blue Iguana soundtrack, and compositions for Lost on Paradise Island. She was deeply passionate about bringing ancient instruments and indigenous musical traditions to life, blending historical scales with modern techniques. Her lifelong creativity and devotion to cultural preservation remained central to both her legacy and her longevity.
Notable Unsung Professionals (Beyond the Spotlight)
In 2025, several remarkable individuals from non-celebrity fieldsāranging from civil rights and science to military service and the artsāmarked their centennial year, with some reaching supercentenarian status.
Dorothy Burnham
A prominent civil rights activist and biologist, Dorothy Burnham celebrated her 110th year in 2025. Her work made a lasting impact on the American civil rights movement, and she often credited her longevity to the strength of family, friendships, and community.
James Clayton Flowers
One of the few remaining Tuskegee Airmen, James Clayton Flowers reached his 110th year in 2025. He served as a pilot during World War II and carried a grounded philosophy throughout his life: āI donāt feel like I am more important than anybody else. But it is important to like yourself, because youāll never get another one. And it is important to not dislike anybody else. I taught my children the same.ā
KƤthe Menzel-Jordan
A pioneering German architect known for her work in historical preservation, KƤthe Menzel-Jordan celebrated nearly 110 years of life in 2025. Her enduring influence on safeguarding cultural landmarks stands as a testament to a lifetime of purpose and continued relevance.
Violet Hensley
Known as the āWhittler Lady of the Ozarks,ā Violet Hensley was a celebrated folk artist and fiddle maker who reached age 109 in 2025. Her lifelong dedication to craftsmanship and folk traditions helped ensure her legacy endured well into her later years.
Various Institutions
In 2025, several prominent educational, cultural, and commercial institutions also reached the 100-year mark, demonstrating that longevity applies not only to people, but to organizations built to evolve and endure.
Educational Institutions
Universities founded in 1925 marked a century of scholarship, leadership, and community impact.
- Claremont Graduate University celebrated its 100th anniversary throughout 2025 with a āCentennial Weekā in October.
- Salisbury University marked 100 years since opening as the State Normal School on September 7, 1925.
- Stanford Graduate School of Business held global alumni celebrations honoring a century of excellence.
- Eastern University celebrated its centennial on March 19, 2025, tracing its roots to Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
- Albertus Magnus College hosted centennial events, including a Mass of Thanksgiving in September 2025.
Cultural & Media Institutions
These organizations shaped art, storytelling, and shared cultural experiences for generations.
- The New Yorker, founded in 1925 by Harold Ross, celebrated 100 years with special centenary issues and exhibits.
- The Radio City Rockettes, originally founded in St. Louis in 1925, marked a century of precision dance performances.
- The Childrenās Museum of Indianapolis, the worldās largest childrenās museum, turned 100 with special programming throughout the year.
- Denver Art Museum (Indigenous Arts Collection) celebrated 100 years since establishing one of the first major museum collections dedicated to contemporary Indigenous arts.
Commercial & Corporate Institutions
From manufacturing to health care and consumer goods, these organizations reached 100 by adapting to changing times.
- Caterpillar Inc. officially turned 100 on April 15, 2025, marking the centennial of the merger that formed the Caterpillar Tractor Co.
- Torani, founded in San Francisco in 1925, celebrated its āFlavor of the Century.ā
- Corona, the world-famous lager beer, was first brewed in Mexico in 1925.
- Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, founded as Sarasota Hospital in 1925, commemorated its century-long commitment to community health.
- ZEISS (U.S. Operations) marked 100 years of operating in the United States in December 2025, continuing its leadership in optics and precision technology.
Conclusion
The centennials of 2025 remind us that longevity is not just about reaching 100āitās about continuing to show up with purpose along the way. Whether through movement, creativity, service, or adaptability, these individuals and institutions demonstrate that staying engaged with life matters at every age. As we look ahead, their stories reinforce a simple truth: longevity is a journey built on daily choices, meaningful connections, and a commitment to living fullyāone year, one step, and one moment at a time.