Gary Stanley Becker was an American economist. He was professor of economics and sociology at the University of Chicago and at the Booth School of Business. He was Born on December 2, 1930, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, economist Gary Becker received his Ph.D. in 1955. He taught both economics and sociology at the University of Chicago. He believed human self-interest influenced economic behavior and published several books on the subject.  In 2000 he was awarded the National Medal of Science, and in 2007 he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian award.