Collection inventory

---

Return to finding aids search

---

William J. Brodsky Papers

An inventory of his papers at the Syracuse University Archives

Finding aid created by: Anna E. Shuff
Date: 2025

Revision history:

Biography

William J. Brodsky (b. 1944) is a business executive and alumnus of Syracuse University. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1965 and a law degree in 1968. While he was a student, Brodsky was a member of the Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity, where over the course of his student career he served as a member of the fraternity’s executive council, as corresponding secretary, and as president. Brodsky was also the manager of Syracuse University’s men’s basketball team. While at the College of Law, Brodsky was the business manager for the New York Law Review and was elected class president. After graduating, Brodsky worked at the securities firm Model, Roland & Company, and in 1975 became executive vice president for operations at the American Stock Exchange. In 1982, Brodsky became the chief operating officer of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and became president and chief executive officer of the CME in 1985.

Throughout his career, Brodsky has remained involved with Syracuse University. In 1983, he received the George Arents Award, the highest alumni honor presented by the University. He served on Syracuse University’s Board of Trustees from 1987 to 2003, when he was promoted to emeritus status. Brodsky and his wife, Joan, who is also an alumna of Syracuse University, have played a role in several advancement initiatives on campus, and in 2005 created the Brodsky Series for the Advancement of Library Conservation, a yearly endowed lecture and workshop on topics in the field of rare books, special collections, and library conservation.

Scope and Content Note

The William J. Brodsky Papers consist of materials collected by Brodsky during his time as a student and alumnus of Syracuse University. The collection is divided into two series, Memorabilia and Publications.

The Memorabilia series contains two freshman beanies, one of which was likely worn by Brodsky, and buttons from basketball and football games, alumni gatherings, and other University functions.

The Publications series contains textbooks published by Syracuse University from Brodsky’s undergraduate career, including Maxwell School publications on political science and a freshman-year English textbook. It also includes editions of Syndicus, Syracuse University College of Law’s alumni publication and College of Law bulletins.

This collection contains items that users may find objectionable due to racist imagery. The representations contained in this collection were conventional at the time of their creation, although no less harmful and inaccurate than they are today. The collection is preserved and presented for its historic and research value.

Restrictions

Access Restrictions:

Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.

Use Restrictions:

Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Related Material

Some College of Law bulletins and editions of Syndicus were separated and placed in the Syracuse University College of Law Records.

Further information on William J. Brodsky can be found in the Syracuse University Clipping Files and the Syracuse University Yearbook Collection. More information on William J. Brodsky's wife, Joan Brier Brodsky, can be found in the Joan Brier Brodsky Papers.

Selected Search Terms

Names

Brodsky, William J.
Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs.
Syracuse University -- History.
Syracuse University.
Syracuse University. -- College of Law.
Syracuse University. -- Department of English.

Associated Titles

Freshman English at Syracuse University.
Problems in democratic citizenship.
Syndicus.

Subjects

Student activities.
Syracuse University -- Basketball.
Syracuse University -- Football.
College students.
Higher education.
Law students.

Types of Material

Beanies.
Bulletins.
Buttons (information artifacts)
Magazines (periodicals)
Textbooks.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

William J. Brodsky Papers,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Gift of William J. Brodsky in 2023 and 2025.

Processing Information

Materials were placed in acid-free folders in an acid-free box. Beanies were placed in acid-free tissue paper in an acid-free box.

Arrangement

Materials are arranged alphabetically.

Table of Contents

Memorabilia

Publications

Inventory