UCF Rosen College celebrates 20 years; founders Harris Rosen and Dr. Abraham Pizam honored, county issues proclamation

The International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce on May 9 honored the 20th anniversary of the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, celebrated founders Harris Rosen and Dr. Abraham Pizam and accepted a proclamation from Orange County declaring May 9, 2024, “UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management Day” in Orange County.

Speakers at the luncheon in Orlando described the college’s growth from a small program in the University of Central Florida’s College of Business into what they called a national leader in hospitality education. Harris Rosen and Dr. Abraham Pizam were presented with the iDrive Innovator Award; Ray Walls, deputy director of the Orange County Convention Center, read a proclamation from Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings on the mayor’s behalf.

Why it matters: Rosen College sits adjacent to the International Drive tourism corridor and — speakers said — supplies thousands of interns and employees to Central Florida’s hospitality and attractions industries. Its leaders and industry partners told attendees the college has become a major workforce pipeline for the region’s tourism economy.

UCF President Alexander Cartwright called the college “a crown jewel of UCF,” praising its industry partnerships and graduate outcomes. “I truly look…