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1998 Hall of Fame inductee - Frank A. Orth

Frank A. Orth

“Much credit is due to the combined efforts of Rhode Island education and business leaders, and the participating state government officers and legislators, for their valued foresight and various types of assistance that resulted in the establishment of RIJC, later named CCRI. In essence, the educational and economic benefits provided to Rhode Island citizenry and various Rhode Island businesses were and are currently sustained, not to mention the leadership of President Flanagan, President Liston and staff.”

Frank A. Orth helped to establish Rhode Island Junior College and his community spirit continues to help Community College of Rhode Island students to achieve an education in the field of business, formerly called retail management.

Orth, who passed away in 2006, served as special assistant to William F. Flanagan, founding president of Rhode Island Junior College. He was a successful businessman in the world of retail management prior to his involvement with CCRI and served as vice president of Cherry and Webb Company.

Orth served his country as a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy Reserves. During World War II, he received the Commendation Citation for Meritorious Conduct.

The professional organizations that he served on throughout the years include the role of chair of the Retail Trade Board of Providence and Executive Secretary on the Rhode Island State Colleges Board of Trustees.

Following his service to CCRI as special assistant to the president, Orth was later appointed to the position of director of community affairs and publications for Rhode Island Junior College. In honor of his retirement, CCRI students recognized Orth in the 1979 Primus. “Your years at Rhode Island Junior College have been marked by this college’s greatest growth and most stimulating development. You, Frank Orth, have been a part of all this and your rewards will be the memory of happy years and much achievement.”

An honorary trustee of the CCRI Foundation, Orth established a scholarship in his name that recognizes students in the Business Administration program.

Orth received a degree from Bentley College in Accounting and Finance, and received a law degree from Northeastern University Evening School of Law. He also completed correspondence leadership courses through the United States Navy.

In his will, Orth left a $150,000 bequest to the college for student scholarships.