The American Dream of 2026: A Personal Perspective

Until July 4th, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream is showcasing U.S. citizens, such as George Yancopoulos, president of Regeneron, sharing their views on what the American Dream means to them in 2026.

I was raised in New York City, though my family roots trace back to northern Greece. Like many immigrant families, my parents had to work tirelessly just to get by.

The biggest blessing I have is a supportive family. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for many kids out there. It’s not just about money, I think. The feeling of hunger—whether literal or metaphorical—often drives motivation. Still, it’s tough to replace the lack of a reliable support structure, which many immigrants experience. They might not have much money, but often they grow up in large families where everyone pitches in to help. I remember my childhood fondly—living in a one-bedroom apartment with my grandparents, parents, sister, and me. We all worked together to make it work.

English was not my first language, and I struggled with it in my early years. But, you know, I always had a knack for numbers, science, and technology.

I must mention an inspiring figure from the Greek-American community—Roy Vagelos. He gained worldwide recognition for his contributions in science.

His laboratory was responsible for developing the first statin, a groundbreaking achievement. Roy moved on to Merck & Co., eventually becoming Chief Operating Officer, and is credited as one of the pioneers of the modern biopharmaceutical sector.

Roy’s story stands out, and it pushed me. My father once said, “If you want to be a scientist, don’t just blend in. Emulate Roy Vagelos. He’s a first-generation immigrant just like you. If he can achieve so much, so can you.”

Roy became not only a role model but a hero to me. It’s pretty amazing—my co-founder, Leonard S. Schleifer, and I set out to create Regeneron and even managed to convince Roy Vagelos to chair our company.

I was fortunate to work alongside my mentor and role model for nearly three decades. Together, we built Regeneron and made significant strides in developing new medicines.

The American Dream Video Project highlights real stories that reflect the journey toward opportunity. This initiative, presented by the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, is part of celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The center, located in Washington, D.C., features interactive exhibits and narratives about pursuing the American Dream.