Fifteen years after his death, Charles Salem,
known to friends as Charlie, is still remembered every year for his humanitarian work in
and around Akron. The City of Akron Office of Community Relations is seeking nominees for
the 11th annual Charles Salem Humanitarian Award to be handed out at a Martin
Luther Day Program in mid-January (date and time TBA).Salem, who died in 1990, was a
thoughtful, gentle and positive man; a humanitarian as well as a strong advocate for
social justice and improved human relations for all citizens in his community and
elsewhere.
A graduate of John Carroll University, he became an educator at The University of
Akron. As a teacher, he was an encouraging mentor for his students who very much enjoyed
interacting with young people in a classroom atmosphere.
Charles was also director of admissions at UA for three years, but always felt his
calling was teaching. His students agreed that this professor who wrote and performed his
own musical compositions, wrote poetry and authored articles for academic journals was
someone special in their lives.
And so, 11 years ago the Commission began honoring Salem’s name and good works
with this award that goes to an Akron resident and recognizes: outstanding community
service, high ethical ideals, fairness, goodwill and friendship.
Those interested may obtain nomination forms through the Office of Community Relations
by calling Mr. Billy Soule, assistant to the mayor for Community Relations, at
330-375-2345 or may be downloaded by clicking
here (7k pdf). Forms are due in no later than December 23, 2005 to:
Mr. Billy Soule
Assistant to the Mayor for Community Relations
200 Municipal Building
166 South High Street
Akron, Ohio 44308
Nominations may also be faxed in Mr. Soule’s name to: 330 375 2468. Again, the
Charles Salem Humanitarian Award will be presented in January at a date and time to be
announced.
END
