Edward J. Rogers, the son of Mary and Joseph (Jedge) Rogers was born and raised in the south-central neighborhood of New Bedford. A graduate of New Bedford High School, he received his Bachelor’s Degree from UMass Amherst and later, an MBA from SMU, now UMass Dartmouth. In addition to these degrees, he earned a Certificate in Thanatology at Bristol Community College and is also a licensed realtor. Eddie is recognized and saluted for his contributions to the Cape Verdean Recognition Committee (CVRC) and to his community. Eddie volunteered with the Cape Verdean Veterans’ Assoc. and provided invaluable assistance in organizing and arranging visits to New Bedford of the Cabo Verde President, Prime Minister, and Ambassadors. He also provided leadership for the Cape Verdean Recognition Parade for more than two decades. After a transition of sponsorship from the CV Veterans Assoc., Eddie organized a group of community members to form a committee to plan and organize the annual parade and raise funds for scholarships. He also collaborated with the UMass Dartmouth School of Law to secure their assistance in drafting bylaws for the organization and securing 501(c)3 non-profit status, resulting in the chartered Cape Verdean Recognition Committee, Inc. in 2004 and served as its President for several years. More than being the founding director of the Cape Verdean Recognition Committee, Eddie has been the vision, the inspiration, and the energy that has led to the success of the organization for more than two decades. Eddie’s contributions extend well beyond the CVRC. He is a much-celebrated blood donor, having donated more than 24 gallons of blood to the blood bank at Saint Luke's Hospital, helping to save the lives of so many community members. His humanitarian efforts also include organizing the Toys for Under-privileged Children's Christmas Party for seven years and has been a Big Brother for many years. Eddie retired in 2015 as a Resource Manager for the MA Department of Child and Family after 38 years of service. During his professional career he was continuously engaged civically, having devoted considerable efforts to numerous community organizations. Eddie was a former President of NorthStar Learning Centers. He is currently Treasurer of Grant Pierce Housing, Inc. and Treasurer of Westerly Housing Associates, Inc. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bisca Tournament Club and a member of Union Lodge No. 4 F. and A.M Prince Hall Masons, as well as a founder, leader, and member of many other organizations. Edward Rogers resides in New Bedford and has been married for 45 years to Mary Ann Lopes Rogers and has two daughters, Tiffani and Mecaela, and one granddaughter, Reese. Please join us in congratulating Eddie!