CHICAGO — Harris Rosen has died at age 85. Rosen, founder and president of Rosen Hotels & Resorts®, is known for his philanthropy and known for his support of the Orlando and Central Florida communities.
Frank Santos, Vice President of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, made the announcement via a statement.
“On behalf of the Rosen family, it is with profound sadness that I announce the death of Harris Rosen, who left us this morning surrounded by family and loved ones at the age of 85. Years old. Harris was an angel to many on earth, and now holds a place among the angels in heaven as a beloved father, grandfather, and pillar of our community whose boundless generosity and love are shown through unwavering devotion. Committed to helping underserved communities, advancing education, advancing the fight against cancer, and supporting health and wellness programs, the family will hold a private celebration of life and ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
A hotel tycoon with a heart of gold
In the 1970s, Rosen left the Walt Disney Company where he was director of hotel planning and purchased the Quality Hotel on International Drive in Orlando.
After renovating the building, he acquired and built more hotels in the area, helping the trade fair center become what it is today by shaping the tourist area. The brand has more than 6,300 rooms and suites and more than 740,000 square feet of meeting space at seven properties in Orlando and employs more than 4,000 Central Florida associates.
On June 24 this year, Rosen Hotels & Resorts celebrated its 50th anniversaryth Hotel Group Anniversary. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings proclaimed the day “Harris Rosen Day.”
Rosen established the Harris Rosen Foundation in 1987 to break the cycle of poverty and restore hope and opportunity to disadvantaged communities through educational opportunities and other improvements.
In 1993, Rosen helped spearhead the Tangelo Park plan after the community asked for help with improvements. Harris has partnered with the Tangelo Park Civic Association, Tangelo Park Baptist Church, Tangelo Park Elementary School and the Tangelo Park YMCA to ensure free pre-K for every child ages 2 to 4 and full-service preschool for every graduating high school student over the age of 20. A college or vocational school scholarship. district and a family resource center where parents can receive counseling and other resources.
When the program began, the high school dropout rate was about 25 percent, and now Tangelo Park’s graduation rate is nearly 100 percent, underscoring the positive impact the program and leaders like Rosen have on the community. The plan was later replicated at Parramore.
For more than 45 years, Rosen has been involved in many other efforts to improve the Orlando and Central Florida communities. Rosen Hotels & Resorts also gives back to the community in a variety of ways, most of which focus on education, health, animal welfare and cultural diversity.
From donating $18 million in capital and land for a new hotel project at the University of Central Florida, to his activism for the YMCA Aquatic Center (later named in his honor), to the Adam Michael Rosen Foundation’s “Hope “Runway” spring gala to benefit the region’s pediatric oncology program, donations to build the Jack & Lee Rosen Jewish Community Center, support of Orange County Public Schools, Harris Rosen’s passion for philanthropy and His community is evident.
“It’s the right thing to do. It’s not something terribly complicated. People who are blessed should acknowledge their good fortune and reciprocate. That’s what we do,” Rosen told central florida lifestyle magazine 2019.
Industry and community farewell
Tributes to Rosen poured in on social media and in press releases following the release:
Ken McAvoy, President, South Florida Ventures and Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, Informa Markets
“Harris Rosen was a unique man in many ways. From Tangelo Park to the Rosen School of Hospitality, he always put people first. His contributions to Orlando and Central Florida are second only to what he did to improve people’s lives Hard work. He will be missed and remembered by everyone who came into contact with him in any way.”
Orange County Convention Center (from official statement)
“The Orange County Convention Center is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Harris Rosen, a visionary leader whose contributions had a lasting impact on our community. He was deeply committed to hospitality and philanthropy The dedication is truly inspiring, and our team is grateful for the unwavering partnership we have built over the years. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Rosen family and employees during this difficult time.
Additionally, Mr. Rosen was instrumental in the success of the Orange County Convention Center, and we would not be where we are today without his lasting impact. His kind and giving heart is an example of how we should live our lives in service to our community. “
Rosanne Maietta, President and CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association, official statement
“Harris Rosen is an inspirational figure and a shining example of the passion and drive a hotelier needs to succeed. His love for the industry has made him the largest independent hotelier in Florida, but he has His charity work shows us the true meaning of hospitality righteousness. His generous gift to the University of Central Florida established the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, whose hospitality management and tourism program ranked among the best in the nation for the fifth consecutive year. Harris left an indelible legacy on the industry and its employees. The mark will be felt for generations. “
Kevin J. Thibault, CEO, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority via LinkedIn
“On behalf of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the Harris Rosen family for their tremendous loss. Mr. Rosen was an established philanthropist who left his mark on the Central Florida community in countless ways.
As a businessman, his dedication to the hospitality and tourism industry became the gold standard by which all others in the industry measured themselves. The GOAA family is grateful for his life’s work and the indelible mark he left on those who knew him, both personally and professionally. “
orlando economic partnership via LinkedIn
“Remember the incredible legacy of Harris Rosen, a philanthropist and hospitality visionary who dedicated his life to making Central Florida and the world a better place.
As a leader in the hospitality industry and a tireless advocate for public education, Harris’ impact is immeasurable. From the UCF Rosen School of Hospitality to his groundbreaking work with the Tangelo Park Foundation, the Parramore Foundation and the Adam Michael Rosen Foundation, among others, his contributions have changed countless lives. He was awarded the OEP James B. Green Award in 2019, further solidifying his dedication to community service and extraordinary impact on Orlando.
He believed in uplifting others and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us all. Harris, you will be deeply missed, but your dedication will live on forever.
Harris reflected on his acceptance speech when receiving the James B. Green Award, talking about the importance of creating opportunity, especially for those who need it most. “The greatest gift we can give is the opportunity to succeed,” he said. “By investing in people, especially those from underserved communities, we not only change the lives of individuals, we change their lives. We change entire communities, cities and the world. ” His words are a testament to his vision for a more equitable world – one where education and opportunity pave the way for future generations. Harris Rosen is not only a successful businessman; “He is one of Orlando’s greatest minds as he uses his success to empower others, leaving a lasting mark on the community and beyond.”
orange county public schools via LinkedIn
“We are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of Harris Rosen, founder of Rosen Hotels & Resorts and long-time supporter of Orange County Public Schools.
It would be impossible to list all the ways he has helped our community and students achieve their dreams. The Tangelo Park program was one of his most impactful initiatives, providing free preschool, parenting classes, job training and full scholarships to college-bound high school graduates.
Just last May, dozens of our students received full scholarships to college through the Harris Rosen Foundation. This is a life-changing gift that will lead to a brighter future thanks to Mr. Rosen’s generosity.
‘gentlemen. Rosen was more than a philanthropist; He was a visionary who believed that education can change lives. His generosity and dedication to his students are an inspiration to us all. “We are deeply grateful for his unwavering support and cooperation over the years,” OCPS Superintendent Maria Vazquez said in a statement. OCPS extends its sincere condolences to the Rosen family and the entire community. Mr. Rosen’s legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of our school and the lives of our students. “
Photos from Rosen Hotels & Resorts®
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