Childhood and Education Journey of Mark Zuckerberg in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Mark Zuckerberg. From birth to education, explore key events.

Mark Zuckerberg is an American businessman and programmer best known as the co-founder, chairman, CEO, and controlling shareholder of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook). He played a pivotal role in developing Facebook into a global social media platform, influencing how billions connect and communicate. Zuckerberg's leadership has faced scrutiny regarding data privacy, content moderation, and the societal impact of social media. Despite controversies, he remains a prominent figure in the technology industry and a key player in shaping the future of the metaverse and artificial intelligence.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2002: Voter Registration

In 2002, Mark Zuckerberg registered to vote in Westchester County, New York.

November 2008: First Ballor Cast

In November 2008, Zuckerberg cast his first ballot.

September 2010: Priscilla Chan Moves In

In September 2010, Priscilla Chan, then a medical student at the University of California, San Francisco, moved into Mark Zuckerberg's rented house in Palo Alto, California.

September 2010: $100 Million Donation to Newark Schools

In September 2010, Zuckerberg donated $100 million to Newark Public Schools through the Startup:Education foundation. The donation's timing was scrutinized due to the impending release of "The Social Network" film.

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October 1, 2010: Release of "The Social Network"

On October 1, 2010, "The Social Network", a movie based on Zuckerberg and the early years of Facebook, was released, starring Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg expressed his discomfort with a movie being made about him while he was still alive and his desire to be seen as a "good guy."

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October 3, 2010: Zuckerberg Voiced on "The Simpsons"

On October 3, 2010, Zuckerberg voiced himself on an episode of "The Simpsons" titled "Loan-a Lisa". In the episode, he interacts with Lisa Simpson and shares his view on the irrelevance of college degrees for success.

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October 9, 2010: "SNL" Lampoons Zuckerberg and Facebook

On October 9, 2010, "Saturday Night Live" lampooned Zuckerberg and Facebook, with Andy Samberg portraying Zuckerberg, who reportedly found it amusing.

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October 30, 2010: "Medal of Fear" Award

On October 30, 2010, Stephen Colbert awarded Zuckerberg a "Medal of Fear" at the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, citing his valuation of privacy.

2010: Signing The Giving Pledge

In 2010, Zuckerberg, along with Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of their wealth to charity.

January 2011: Zuckerberg's "SNL" Appearance

In January 2011, Zuckerberg made a surprise guest appearance on "Saturday Night Live", hosted by Jesse Eisenberg. Zuckerberg commented that the movie "The Social Network" was "interesting".

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May 19, 2012: Marriage to Priscilla Chan

On May 19, 2012, Mark Zuckerberg married Priscilla Chan in the grounds of his mansion, coinciding with her graduation from medical school.

December 2012: Commitment to Donate Majority of Wealth

In December 2012, Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan announced their commitment to donate the majority of their wealth over their lifetimes to "advancing human potential and promoting equality" in the spirit of The Giving Pledge.

2012: Voting in General Elections

In 2012, Zuckerberg voted in at least two of the past three general elections, in 2008 and 2012. He is listed as having "no preference" on voter rolls.

June 2013: Participation in San Francisco Pride Celebration

In June 2013, Mark Zuckerberg joined Facebook employees in a company float at the annual San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Celebration. The participation had grown to 700 employees by 2013 and was especially significant following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

December 2013: Donation to Silicon Valley Community Foundation

In December 2013, Zuckerberg announced a donation of 18 million Facebook shares, valued at $990 million, to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. It was recognized as the largest charitable gift on public record for that year.

2013: Appearance in "Terms and Conditions May Apply"

In 2013, Zuckerberg appeared in the climax of the documentary film "Terms and Conditions May Apply", which discusses online privacy.

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October 2014: $25 Million Donation to Combat Ebola

In October 2014, Zuckerberg and his wife donated $25 million to combat the Ebola virus disease during the West African Ebola virus epidemic.

2014: Zuckerberg Purchases Land in Hawaii

In 2014, Mark Zuckerberg purchased 700 acres of land on the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi, expanding his real estate holdings.

2014: Construction of Support Yacht Wingman

In 2014, the support yacht Wingman, was built by Damen Yachting. Wingman functions as a tender and logistics platform for Launchpad.

February 2015: $75 Million Donation to San Francisco General Hospital

In February 2015, Zuckerberg and his wife donated $75 million to the foundation of the San Francisco General Hospital, leading to its renaming as The Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.

July 2015: Pregnancy Announcement

In July 2015, Mark Zuckerberg revealed that he and Priscilla Chan were expecting a baby girl and that Chan had previously experienced three miscarriages.

December 1, 2015: Pledge to Transfer Facebook Shares to CZI

On December 1, 2015, Zuckerberg and his wife pledged to transfer 99% of their Facebook shares, then valued at $45 billion, to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) over the course of their lives.

December 9, 2015: Statement in Support of Muslims

On December 9, 2015, Mark Zuckerberg posted a statement on his Facebook wall expressing support for Muslims in response to the Paris attacks and the San Bernardino attack, emphasizing that Muslims are "always welcome" on Facebook.

December 2015: Birth of First Daughter

In December 2015, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan's first daughter was born.

February 24, 2016: Memo Regarding "Black Lives Matter" at Facebook

On February 24, 2016, Mark Zuckerberg sent a company-wide memo rebuking employees who had crossed out "Black Lives Matter" phrases and replaced them with "All Lives Matter" on company walls, deeming the practice malicious and an act of silencing speech.

2016: Change in Religious Views

In 2016, Mark Zuckerberg stated that he now believes religion is very important, after having questioned it in the past.

August 2017: Birth of Second Daughter

In August 2017, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan welcomed their second daughter.

2017: Tour of America

In 2017, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife began a tour of America "to visit every state in the union and learn more about a sliver of the nearly two billion people who regularly use the social network".

2017: Call for Action on Global Warming

In 2017, Mark Zuckerberg called for action to stop global warming in a commencement speech at Harvard University.

December 2021: Kauai Estate Expansion

In December 2021, Zuckerberg expanded his estate in Kauai by purchasing an additional 110 acres for $17 million, adding to his already substantial 1,500-acre property.