2023 Shriners Humanitarian Award Presented to Orlando Hotelier and Philanthropist Harris Rosen
In recognition of a lifetime of giving back, the Bahia Shriners have recognized Orlando hotelier and philanthropist, Harris Rosen, as its 2023’s Humanitarian of the Year.
Organizer Gary Bergenske presented the award to Rosen, who is the founder, president and COO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, and is also known as one of the area’s most generous philanthropists through his donations and college scholarship programs.
The award is one of the Bahai Shriners’ most prestigious awards.
The nomination highlighted Mr. Rosen’s commitment to underserved communities, specifically the Tangelo Park and Parramore preschool programs which provide free early education to children ages 2, 3, and 4. With a solid educational start, Rosen then works with these children upon graduating high school, providing them full college or vocational school scholarships, paying tuition, room & board and other expenses.
It also mentioned:
- Creating RosenCare, an innovative, award-winning insurance plan that gives associates and their families comprehensive coverage without deductibles
- Creating the Rosen Medical Center, which offers employees and their loved one’s top-notch medical care and wellness programs
- A generous donation of 12 million dollars to help create and enhance a world-class neuro-oncology laboratory at the University of Florida, and at the same time, honor the remarkable life and legacy of Mr. Rosen’s son, Adam Michael Rosen, and all warriors battling cancer.
- To give back to the hospitality industry, the community , and future generations, Rosen donated millions to establish the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida. The Rosen College is now the top ranked hospitality college in the nation and #2 in the world.
- Saving and rehabilitating the Rosen Aquatic and Fitness Center, one of the Southeast’s premiere swimming and diving facilities.
“Harris Rosen is truly a giant as a Humanitarian and is extremely worthy of receiving this prestigious award,” Bergenske said.
“It’s truly an honor to receive this award and I thank the Bahia Shriners for all the work they do for the community,” Rosen added.
As part of this recognition, a $1000 scholarship will be presented by the Shriners to a student in Mr. Rosen’s name. He will be the fifth recipient of this award; President Jimmy Carter was the first.
Bergenske, a Past Imperial Potentate has been presenting these awards on behalf of Bahia Shriners and Shriners Children’s, an organization that provides care for children worldwide. Shriners Children’s specializes in Pediatric Orthopedics, Burns, Cleft Lip and Palate, and spinal cords.