In 2001, Clifford and Judith Isroff, who served the Akron community for nearly 40 years with exceptional leadership in the arts and in cultural, health and educational pursuits, became the 34th recipients of the Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award of Akron Community Foundation.
"The extraordinary thing about this couple is the extensive breadth and profound depth of the service they both have contributed over the years," said former Akron Community Foundation President Jody Bacon. "Their efforts have made our area a better place to live."
Clifford Isroff held leadership board positions that included president of Akron Community Foundation, Akron General Medical Center, Akron Jewish Community Federation and co-chairman of the Blossom Music Center Board of Trustees. He was the director of FirstMerit Bank and FirstMerit Corporation. In addition, Clifford served on the boards of numerous organizations, focusing on educational entities. Judith Isroff founded Keep Akron Beautiful Inc., promoting recycling and beautification, and served as the organization's executive coordinator from 1981 to 1989. She also served as president of the boards of Leadership Akron, Akron Art Museum, Akron Roundtable and Hadassah. Judith also was the first woman board president of the Akron Jewish Community Federation.
Over the years, both Judith and Clifford received many honors for their devotion to the Akron community. By investing their time and energy into the community, they demonstrated the enduring spirit of true humanitarianism.