Jefferson County Republican Committee
Created by the Jefferson County Republican Committee in 1984, The Edward N. Redder Memorial Scholarship was established to honor a local Republican leader, Edward N. Redder. It is offered to a liberal arts student studying to earn an associate’s degree from Jefferson Community College. A recipient must show academic achievement, be a Jefferson County resident who is registered with the Republican Party and must be interested in governmental studies.
Edward N. Redder believed attitude made the difference between success and failure. In one of his speeches, he stated, ‘Whether you believe you can or whether you believe you can’t, you’re right.’
He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on November 5, 1920, the son of Edward A. and Elizabeth King Redder. He graduated from Clyde High School in Clyde, New York, and attended St. John’s Seminary in Rochester, New York. He served as a captain in the Air Force during World War II and flew 50 missions in the European Theater, receiving several commendations.
He moved to Watertown in 1964 from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He retired as president of Prudential Insurance in 1970, after 25 years with the company.
After his retirement, Mr. Redder began a career in politics. As an elected member of the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors and the chairman of the County’s Republican Committee, he was considered a ‘bottom-line man.’ He believed government leaders were responsible for looking beyond daily concerns to effectively serve the people.
During his political career, he was known as a formidable opponent and was credited for putting the Jefferson County Republican Party on sound financial footing. Win or lose, he relished a good fight.
He was a member of the Italian-American Association, Ives Hill Country Club and the Black River Valley Club. He served for eight years as supervisor of the Fifth Ward and as an aid for Assemblymen H. Robert Nortz. Mr. Redder was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church.
Edward N. Redder died December 6, 1984.
The Jefferson Community College Foundation is grateful to the Jefferson County Republican Committee for creating this scholarship.