The English-Speaking Union (ESU) is an international educational charity which was founded by the journalist Sir Evelyn Wrench in 1918. The ESU aims to "bring(s) together and empower(s) people of different languages and cultures," by building skills and confidence in communication, such that individuals realize their potential. With almost 40 branches in the United Kingdom and over 50 international branches in countries around the world, the ESU promotes a variety of activities such as debating, public speaking and student exchange programmes, runs conferences and seminars, and offers scholarships, to encourage the effective use of the English language around the globe.

The mission statement of the English-Speaking Union (as stated on its website) is to:

The ESU was established in 1918 through the efforts of Sir Evelyn Wrench. In 1957 it received a Royal Charter , with Queen Elizabeth II as the royal patron. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has been President since 1957. Headquartered at Dartmouth House, Mayfair, London, its many activities are coordinated by the Director-General. The twenty-seven member Board of Governors meets three times a year.

Robert Laing Noble, OC FRSC (February 3, 1910 – December 11, 1990) was a Canadian physician who was involved in the discovery of vinblastine.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, he received his M.D. from the University of Toronto in 1934 and a Ph.D. in 1937 from the University of Western Ontario.

In the 1950s helped with the discovery of vincristine and vinblastine, widely-used anti-cancer drugs.

In 1997, he was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. In 1988, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 1984, he was awarded the Gairdner Foundation International Award.

The Robert L. Noble Prize is named in his honour.

Vincent Stevenson (March 1, 1884 - August 7, 1962) was an American football player at the college level for the Penn Quakers in 1904 and 1905. In 1904, he earned All-American honors from Walter Camp, after leading his team to a 12-0 record, in which the Quakers outscored their opponents 222-4.

In 1906, Stevenson played professionally for the Canton Bulldogs of the "Ohio League". However he was injured his knee in the third game of the season and was replaced at quarterback by Twister Steinberg - until he was relieved by Jack Hayden. Stevenson tried to recover and rejoin the team, however the medical consensus was for him to sit out the remainder of the season, so that the bone could heal properly. The injured prevented Stevenson from taking part in Canton's two game series, against the rival Massillon Tigers, that would result in a scandal.

During the 1910s, he became a crewman on several trans-oceanic oil tankers. World War I was now taking place and these tankers were frequent targets for German u-boats. Although he was reported missing on several occasions, he always showed up unharmed in some distant port.