This year’s recipients have distinguished themselves for their service to the College, their communities, and the practice of law. Please join us to recognize and congratulate the 2026 Syracuse University College of Law Award recipients.
Law Honors
The Hon. Bernadette Romano Clark L’89
The first woman elected president of the Law Student Senate at Syracuse University College of Law. The first woman first assistant district attorney, first woman judge, and first woman elected to the New York State Supreme Court in Oneida County, New York. There’s no disputing that Hon. Bernadette Romano Clark L’89 is a trailblazer, particularly for women in the legal field, and she credits much of her success to Syracuse Law.
This spring Clark receives a 2026 Law Honors award in recognition of her lifelong commitment to the law, her advocacy for women in the profession, and her generosity to Syracuse Law as an engaged speaker, mentor, and philanthropic supporter over the years.
Prashanth “PJ” Jayachandran G’98, L’98
From the moment he first stepped on to the Syracuse University College of Law campus as a 1L, Prashanth (“P.J.”) Jayachandran G’98, L’98, was impressed by the outstanding professors and far-reaching alumni network. Little did he know that one day, he would be both—a distinguished professor in the hybrid online JDinteractive (JDi) program and an accomplished alumnus sharing his expertise in corporate sustainability to help prepare students for this evolving area of the law.
In recognition for his many contributions, particularly helping Syracuse Law become an early adopter of addressing corporate sustainability and the law through the development and implementation of a JDi residency course, Jayachandran has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Law Honors award.
William J. Brodsky ’65, L’68, H’24
William “Bill” Brodsky L’68 has built a career of remarkable distinction across more than five decades in financial services, leading some of the most influential institutions in the industry — including serving as President and CEO of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and as CEO and Chairman of the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Today, he serves as Chairman of Cedar Street Asset Management and Bosun Asset Management. A life trustee of Syracuse University and former member of the College of Law’s Board of Advisors, Brodsky’s commitment to this institution has never wavered.
Brodsky has been selected for a 2026 Syracuse Law Honors award for his many contributions, including his most recent—helping to secure an official portrait of former President Joseph R. Biden, which will hang in the Dineen Hall Library, and helping coordinate the president’s visit for the unveiling.
Emerging Leader of the Year
Colleen Gibbons L’17
Colleen Gibbons L’17 calls her education from Syracuse University College of Law “first class” and recalls an “immediate sense of warm and welcoming humans in the building” from the day she started her law degree. Today, as she thrives in her legal career, Gibbons continues to be an outstanding alumna of Syracuse Law as a mentor, speaker, competition judge, and more, bringing in fresh ideas and educational opportunities by tapping into her professional network to help today’s students have a law school experience as outstanding as she recalls her own.
Gibbons is honored with the inaugural Emerging Leader of the Year Award for being one of the law school’s most dedicated volunteers, contributing her time and expertise in ways that make a lasting difference for law students and the broader Syracuse Law community.
Student Choice Alumni Awards
The Student Choice Alumni Awards celebrate the alumni who have shown up—for our students, for our student organizations, and for the diverse and vibrant communities that make Syracuse Law exceptional. Each recognition is led by a specific student organization, empowering students to identify and honor the alumni who have inspired them, supported them, and invested in their growth in ways that are deeply personal and meaningful. From mentorship and advocacy to presence and encouragement, these awards reflect the full spectrum of what it means to make a difference in a student’s journey through law school.
Advocacy Honors Society, Model of Excellence Award
The Hon. John F. Boyd II L’16
Advocacy Honors Society, Alumni Award
Gabriela Groman L’23
Jimmie C. McCurdy G’09, L’09
Black Law Students Association (BLSA), William Herbert Johnson Legacy Award
Col. Pia W. Rogers ’98, G’01, L’01
William M. Wolfe L’20
Latin American Law Student Association (LALSA), José Bahamonde-González L’92 Legacy Award
Brenda Lopez Romero L’11
Law Review, Alumni of the Year
Astrid M. Quinones G’18, L’18
Student Bar Association, Alumni of the Year
David M. Katz L’17