One of the most well-known figures in Meridian’s rich history will reach a big milestone this week.

    Former mayor I.A. “Al” Rosenbaum will celebrate his 90th birthday at a reception Friday.

    Rosenbaum served as mayor from 1977 to 1985, was an original founder of Meyer and Rosenbaum Insurance, and has served with a large number of charities and community organizations, from the United Way to the Mississippi Industrial Foundation.

    Born in Meridian in March 21, 1920, Rosenbaum was educated in the local school system before heading to Vanderbilt University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

    Rosenbaum received five battle stars and a Presidential Citation for his service in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1946 and in the Active Reserve until retirement in 1961.

    Rosenbaum has won many awards in his lifetime, including the Sertoma Service to Humanity Award, the Lauderdale County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award, and the J.H. Johnson Memorial Award for Distinguished Service to the Insurance Profession.

    Along with his jobs as mayor of Meridian, founder of Meyer and Rosenbaum insurance, and in military service, Rosenbaum has been the vice president, treasurer, and CFO of Riley Development Systems, the president, treasurer and CFO of the Riley Foundation, and the director of First United Bank.

    The list of organizations he has served is long, and includes Congregation Beth Israel in Meridian, the Girl Scouts, the United Way, local and state Navy Leagues, the Lauren Rodgers Museum, and the state and national associations of insurance agents.

    Rosenbaum currently serves on the board of directors of the Riley Foundation.

    “Al Rosenbaum is a community treasure,” said Meyer and Rosenbaum President Bruce Martin. “He has worked tirelessly his entire lifetime for the betterment of his community and his state. There is no better example of selfless community involvement than Al.”

    The reception honoring Rosenbaum will feature numerous special guests, including Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum, MSU employee and former Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck, State Senator Videt Carmichael, and Meridian Mayor Cheri Barry.

    The reception will be held at Meyer and Rosenbaum Insurance on Friday, March 19.