Born in Shavertown, Pa. Larry was forever indebted to his hometown church and SU for a scholarship that helped him to receive a college education. He also worked part-time jobs to help pay his tuition. As a sophomore Halfback for the undefeated 1940 grid team, he gained 498 yards rushing, averaging an amazing 9.6 yards per carry, despite playing at a weight of only 142 pounds. He was also noted for outstanding play for the 1942 team, which was riddled by injuries and loss of players to the armed services. He was among the first class of inductees into the SU Sports Hall of Fame in 1967.
After graduation from SU in 1943, Larry enlisted in the Navy, and served as a Communications Officer aboard the U.S.S. Icefish, a submarine patrolling the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, soon after his return from the war, Larry married his SU sweetheart, Louise Kresge, SU ’45, whom he had met in his junior year and her freshman year in 1941 on the steps of Seibert Hall. They would have four children.
Larry enrolled in the Wharton School of Business, from which he received his M.B.A. in 1947. He initially worked for Pricewaterhouse Coopers, then for Bethlehem Steel, then for RCA (VP and Controller 1962-1971), Allis Chalmers Corp. (Exec. VP of Finance, 1972-1977) and ended his business career as the Chief Financial Officer of Federated Department Stores, Inc. He received the Alumni Achievement award in 1976. The Isaacs lived in six different states, but after Larry’s retirement from business in 1982, their mutual love for SU led them to move back to Selinsgrove, where they would spend their next 18 years.
Larry became a distinguished Professor of Business Practice at the Sigmund Weiss School of Business, while also serving on its Advisory Council. He also became involved in the administration at SU, serving on the SU Board of Directors for a total of 34 years. He also served as Vice President and helped lead two national capital campaigns for Susquehanna University. Both Larry and Louise received Honorary Doctorate degrees from SU in 2000, prior to retiring to Florida. SU named the Isaacs Auditorium in Seibert Hall, and the Isaacs Townhouse in their honor. They established the Lawrence M. and Thomas L. Isaacs Fund to honor their youngest son who died in 1980. They also established the Lawrence M. and Louise Kresge Isaacs Endowment for Music. It primarily supports students majoring in Music who demonstrate outstanding ability, as well as professional development of Music faculty and/or Music performances. It also reflects the Isaacs’ mutual lifetime love of music (Louise majored in Music at SU), their long-standing commitment to excellence in the Music program at Susquehanna Univ., and their recognition of the vital role which the Music program has played in the life of SU and of the surrounding community.
Prior to his passing in Oct. 2007, Larry constantly gave of his time, talent and resources to the University which he and his family loved so much. His leadership helped SU grow through the years, and the legacy of generosity of Larry Isaacs and his family will continue to benefit SU students in the present day and for many generations to come
