Harris Rosen was an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist.
22 Facts About Harris Rosen
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Harris Rosen was born in 1939 in Manhattan to Jack and Lee Harris Rosen.
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Harris Rosen earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University School of Hotel Administration in 1961.
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Harris Rosen then served in the United States Army for three years in Germany and South Korea becoming a first lieutenant.
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Harris Rosen began his career at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City as a convention salesman.
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Harris Rosen worked at other hotels including various Hilton Hotels and the New Yorker Hotel.
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Harris Rosen eventually joined the Walt Disney Company as director of hotel planning.
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In October 2017, Harris Rosen purchased the Clarion International Drive and the Red Roof Inn International Drive.
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For more than ten years, Harris Rosen funded an alternative spring break for about a dozen Cornell students who wish to spend their vacation in Orlando, staying in one of his hotels and mentoring students who live in Tangelo Park.
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Harris Rosen funded 48 teachers' and aides' salaries, as well as the salaries of two directors.
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In November 2017, Harris Rosen announced a partnership with Rollins College, a private, liberal arts college in Winter Park, to provide three annual scholarships to the school to be shared by Tangelo Park and Parramore high school graduates.
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Harris Rosen funded hundreds of scholarships annually to students attending the Rosen College.
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For years, Harris Rosen has funded sending medical supplies and personal hygiene items to Haiti.
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Harris Rosen served as a charter member of the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees.
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Harris Rosen married his wife, Trisha, and they had four children together: Adam, Jack, Joshua, and Shayna.
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Harris Rosen lost his youngest son, Adam, to a brain tumor in November 2018.
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Harris Rosen set up a foundation in Adam's name and donated millions to fund brain tumor research at the University of Florida.
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Harris Rosen died on November 25,2024, at his home in Orlando at the age of 85 following complications related to a brief battle with ampullary cancer.
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In 2016, Harris Rosen was awarded the Bob Graham Center for Public Service Citizen of the Year award for his work with Tangelo Park.
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Harris Rosen was named the most influential person in tourism in Orlando by Orlando magazine.
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In November 2017, Harris Rosen was honored by the Orlando Business Journal as the Philanthropist of the Year.
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In June 2022, Harris Rosen was recognized by the International Hospitality Institute on the list of the Global 100 in Hospitality as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality.