Accompanying Image: L-R Rick Rogers, Bruce W. “Bud” Rogers, Suzanne “Susie” Rogers, Alita Rogers. Photo: Shane Wynn.
Akron philanthropists Bud and Susie Rogers will be honored on Saturday, July 16, at the dedication of the Bud and Susie Rogers Garden at the Akron Art Museum.
The ceremony includes a ribbon-cutting and private, ticketed event. From 2 to 9 p.m., the Art Museum will welcome the community into the Garden for an afternoon and evening of free events, including programs for kids and families, and a series of concerts in the evening from three northeast Ohio acts.
The one-acre green space adjacent to the art museum’s south side was made possible by a lead gift from Rick and Alita Rogers, and will be named in honor of Rick Rogers’ parents, longtime community volunteers and museum supporters, Bruce “Bud” Rogers and his wife, Suzanne “Susie” Rogers.
“We are pleased to honor the Rogers family for their generous lead gift and for their history of giving back to the community,” Akron Art Museum Executive Director and CEO Mark Masuoka said. “The Bud and Susie Rogers Garden will transform the quality of life in downtown Akron and allow the museum to create endless opportunities for meaningful art experiences for everyone who visits.”
Bud and Susie Rogers are well known in Akron for their tireless commitment to philanthropic efforts. The former president and chief executive of the B.W. Rogers Co., Bud Rogers has volunteered with- and served as board president of the American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve, Sumner on Ridgewood and the United Way of Summit County.
Susie Rogers is an emeritus member of the board of governors for Akron Golf Charities, past board president of the Junior League of Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association and Akron Garden Club, and past president of the Western Reserve Academy/Pioneer Women. She has also helped with financial campaigns for the Boys and Girls Clubs and United Way.
In 2007, Bud and Susie received the H. Peter Burg Community Leadership Award from the Red Cross, Summit County Chapter. In 2008, they received the Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award from Akron Community Foundation. Both are past recipients of the United Way’s Distinguished Service Award.
Rick Rogers was president of the board of the Akron Art Museum when the museum broke ground in 2004 for the celebrated John S. and James L. Knight Building. Alita Rogers currently serves on the board of the Akron Art Museum and is Secretary of the Board.
Programs for the free public celebration in the Garden begin at 2 p.m. with hands-on activities for all ages, a garden-themed interactive area and tours by the Akron Garden Club and art museum docents. Verb Ballets will perform their children’s program “Shape Imagination” at 2 p.m. Starting at 6 p.m., the Garden will host a series of free concerts, with Cleveland-based, modern surf and garage rockers The Del Rios playing first, followed by acclaimed folk/Americana act Shivering Timbers. The evening concludes with a performance from the electrifying Northern Soul music of Wesley Bright.
Construction for the garden began in 2015, from a design created by Philadelphia landscape architecture firm OLIN Partners. Embodying the art museum’s commitment to civic engagement and economic development, the Bud and Susie Rogers Garden will welcome a range of activities, including relaxation, exploration, expression, social interactions and meaningful art experiences—from permanent installations of art, to temporary installations, art events and art explorations.
For info, visit www.akronartmuseum.org.
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