The Norman and Florence Brody Family Foundation Public Policy Forum was established in 1995 through a generous donation to the University of Maryland by Norman and Florence Brody. The Brody Public Policy Forum brings renowned leaders and public policy experts to the University of Maryland to increase discussion and awareness of topics of national and international importance. The forum will offer up to four lectures or debates annually, with about one quarter of the lectures addressing issues related to Judaism.

Norman and Florence Brody have long been supporters of the University of Maryland at College Park. Previously, they established two endowed funds in Jewish studies: the David Mark Konigsberg Memorial Scholarship Fund and the David Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The Brodys were born and raised in Washington, D.C., and have been long-time residents of Maryland. Florence graduated from the University of Maryland in 1947 with a degree in business and education and Norman attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C. The Brodys have two children, William Brody and Sherry Brodner, and a grandson, Curtis Brodner.

Norman served in the military in World War II, and afterward joined his brother Gerald, also a Maryland graduate, in the family business. When Brody Bros. Distributors, Inc. was sold in 1991, it was one of the region's largest independent suppliers of health and beauty products. In his retirement, Norman was dedicated to many projects benefitting the university and was also an active volunteer in his community. Florence is still an active member of the board of the Concert Society at Maryland.

Norman Brody died of a sudden illness in 1996. The Brody Public Policy Forum serves as a fitting tribute to his lifelong interest in current events and his dedication to the university.