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 launched Facebook in 2004, which has become one of the world's largest social media platforms. Zuckerberg has been a major figure in the development of social media and the internet, and a significant (and sometimes controversial) influence on global communication and information sharing. He is also involved in various philanthropic efforts through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

Sections (7)

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

May 14, 1984: Mark Zuckerberg's Birth

On May 14, 1984, Mark Elliot Zuckerberg was born. He is an American businessman and programmer and the co-founder of Facebook and Meta Platforms.

Others born on this day/year

2002: Zuckerberg Enrolls at Harvard

In 2002, Mark Zuckerberg began classes at Harvard University, having already established a reputation as a programming prodigy.

2002: Zuckerberg Graduates from Phillips Exeter Academy

In 2002, Mark Zuckerberg graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy where the school directory known as "The Photo Address Book" which was called "The Facebook" may have inspired his later social network.

2002: Zuckerberg registers to vote

In 2002, Zuckerberg registered to vote in Westchester County, New York, where he had grown up.

February 2004: Launch of i2hub

A month after Zuckerberg launched Facebook in February 2004, i2hub, a campus-only service created by Wayne Chang, was launched.

February 2004: Facebook Launch at Harvard

In February 2004, Mark Zuckerberg, along with his roommates Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, launched Facebook at Harvard College.

2004: Zuckerberg Moves to Palo Alto and Meets Peter Thiel

In 2004, Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard and moved to Palo Alto, California with his co-founders. During the summer of 2004, Peter Thiel invested in his company.

November 2008: Zuckerberg votes for the first time since registering in 2002

In November 2008, Mark Zuckerberg cast his first ballot since registering to vote in 2002. Voter records indicated his registration as "no preference," and he participated in at least two of the three preceding general elections, including the one in 2008.

2010: Release of 'The Social Network'

In 2010, The Social Network, a film based on Mark Zuckerberg's early career and the creation of Facebook, was released and went on to win multiple Academy Awards.

Loading Video...

2011: Facebook participates in the event

In 2011, Facebook first participated in the San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Celebration with 70 employees.

May 19, 2012: Zuckerberg marries Priscilla Chan

On May 19, 2012, Mark Zuckerberg married Priscilla Chan in his mansion's grounds. The event also celebrated her graduation from medical school.

October 1, 2012: Zuckerberg Meets with Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow

On October 1, 2012, Mark Zuckerberg met with then-Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow to stimulate social media innovation and to boost Facebook's position in the Russian market.

2012: Zuckerberg votes in general election

In 2012, Mark Zuckerberg voted in a general election. Zuckerberg is listed as "no preference" on voter rolls.

February 2013: Zuckerberg hosts fundraising event for Chris Christie

In February 2013, Mark Zuckerberg hosted his first fundraising event for then-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. His interest was in education reform, particularly Christie's work on teachers unions and charter schools.

June 2013: Zuckerberg joins Facebook employees in San Francisco Pride Celebration

In June 2013, Mark Zuckerberg joined Facebook employees in a company float during the annual San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Celebration. Approximately 700 employees participated in the 2013 march.

June 20, 2013: Zuckerberg responds to claims about FWD.us video

On June 20, 2013, following the online publication of a FWD.us video, Mark Zuckerberg engaged with Facebook users on his profile page. He addressed concerns that FWD.us was solely focused on tech hiring, emphasizing its broader goal of ensuring fair treatment for undocumented immigrants.

July 2015: Zuckerberg announces they are expecting a baby girl

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

November 2015: Paris attacks

November of 2015, Mark Zuckerberg's response to the aftermath of the November 2015 Paris attacks and the 2015 San Bernardino attack caused him to support muslims in our community and around the world.

December 9, 2015: Zuckerberg supports Muslims in response to Paris and San Bernardino attacks

On December 9, 2015, Mark Zuckerberg posted on his Facebook wall expressing support for Muslims following the November 2015 Paris attacks and the 2015 San Bernardino attack. He stated that Muslims are "always welcome" on Facebook, and cited his Jewish upbringing as a reason to stand against attacks on all communities.

December 2015: Zuckerberg's first daughter is born

In December 2015, Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan's first daughter was born. They later revealed her Chinese name as Chen Mingyu.

February 2016: Internet.org Shut Down in India

In February 2016, Internet.org was shut down in India due to opposition regarding net neutrality.

May 25, 2017: Zuckerberg Receives Honorary Degree from Harvard

On May 25, 2017, Mark Zuckerberg received an honorary degree from Harvard University after giving a commencement speech at the 366th commencement day.

August 2017: Zuckerberg's second daughter is born

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

2017: Zuckerberg calls for action to stop global warming in Harvard commencement speech

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

March 2023: Zuckerberg and Chan welcome third daughter

In March 2023, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan welcomed their third daughter, and announced the news across his social media pages.

August 2024: Zuckerberg regrets censoring COVID-19 content and shifts political views

In an August 2024 letter to the House Judiciary Committee, Mark Zuckerberg expressed regret for not resisting pressure from the Biden administration to censor COVID-19 related content. He also indicated he would no longer donate to election infrastructure, and his political views were described as leaning towards libertarianism or classical liberalism.

2024: Zuckerberg purchases mega-yacht Launchpad

In 2024, Mark Zuckerberg purchased the mega-yacht Launchpad (formerly Project 1010) for approximately $300 million.

2024: Zuckerberg shifts his style

In 2024, Mark Zuckerberg shifted his style from his usual gray shirt and jeans to wearing gold chains and trendier streetwear. This change in fashion paralleled Meta's efforts to appease the Trump administration.

January 2025: Zuckerberg comments on the new U.S. administration

In January 2025, Mark Zuckerberg commented positively on the new U.S. administration, highlighting their support for leading American companies and technology.