SHRODER, WILLIAM J.

SHRODER, WILLIAM J. (1876–1952), U.S. lawyer and civic leader. Shroder, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, engaged in private law practice in Cincinnati for 20 years, also serving as a special assistant U.S. attorney general in 1907 for drugtrust cases. In 1921 Shroder retired from law practice to devote himself fully to voluntary social and civic affairs. He was president of Cincinnati's United Jewish Social Agencies during 1923–26; helped found the National Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds in 1932, serving as its first president; and was vice chairman of the Jewish Distribution Committee from 1931 to 1939. Shroder held various civic offices; he was a member of the Cincinnati Board of Education from 1927 to 1934, serving the last four years as chairman. During his tenure in office he instituted equal pay for all teachers, regardless of sex or grade taught, and raised professional standards. The annual Shroder Award was given by the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds to a community institution with exceptional innovative programs. (Kenneth D. Roseman)