Hi!
I learned about nice tradition in Polish Wikipedia: users gallery https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikipedyst%C3%B3w_portret_w%C5%82asn...), which may contain humorous connotations.
I think such descriptions are great way to keep history of project as well as a chance for newbies to learn about old timers.
Unfortunately Commons was created long time ago and many prominent contributors are covered by fog of time.
Eugene.