Written by Shivram Sundar.
Harris Rosen, the hotelier and philanthropist whose generosity forever changed UCF and the Central Florida community, passed away this morning at the age of 85.
Rosen’s journey is a true example of hard work and giving back. Born in New York to humble beginnings, he worked his way up from hotel management to building his own hospitality empire. But Rosen wasn’t just about building hotels—he was about building people and communities. From offering free preschool and college scholarships to underserved neighborhoods like Tangelo Park and Parramore, to creating a self-funded healthcare system for his employees, Rosen dedicated his life to helping others.
Rosen established a $2.5 million scholarship endowment for UCF, which has been matched by the state. He also donated 20 acres and gave $18 million to build UCF’s Rosen School of Hospitality Management, which opened near International Drive in 2004
Today, Rosen College has cutting-edge facilities, world-class faculty, and a scholarship endowment that has helped countless students achieve their dreams. Alumni from Rosen College are now leaders in hotels, theme parks, and events all around the globe, carrying forward the lessons and opportunities that Rosen made possible.
Rosen’s generosity didn’t stop there. His contributions extended across Central Florida and beyond. He was a champion of education, community health, and disaster relief. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Rosen led efforts to provide aid to the country, a place close to his heart because of the many Haitian employees who worked in his hotels.
While Rosen was celebrated for his success, he often said that his greatest pride came from helping others. His legacy reflects that philosophy. The programs and opportunities he created, especially at UCF, will continue to shape lives for years to come.
The UCF community is mourning the loss of Harris Rosen, a man whose name is more than just a landmark—it’s a symbol of generosity, vision, and hope.
