The School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) is at the forefront of studying everything related to work, labor and employment in the United States—and beyond. The world of work is constantly evolving, and it affects every one of us. It shapes our careers, our livelihoods, and the very fabric of our society. We remain committed to fostering positive transformations in communities around the world.

In 2023, ILR experts logged more than 28,000 media hits covering labor, HR, and other work-related topics. Our faculty share their expertise on the global stage almost every day, and they’re helping students apply skills beyond the classroom. ILRies debated free speech in the spring of 2024, and students are working with faculty to research areas such as conflict resolution, labor rights within global supply chains, and many other pressing work topics.

Make your gift to the ILR School now

In the past, ILR Annual Fund dollars have supported:

Future priorities for the ILR Annual Fund include:

How ILR would use future gifts at the following levels:

  • $5,000will provide much-needed internship resources. Each year, more students apply for financial support to cover internship living expenses for those working outside their hometown—expenses such as appropriate clothing and transportation.
  • $10,000will help two students with housing and summer tuition while attending the High Road Fellowship program.
  • $25,000will fund expansion of engaged and experiential programs. Our goal is to have all students participate in an engaged opportunity during their time at Cornell.
  • $50,000will help hire and recruit exceptional faculty focused on work, labor, and employment. The annual fund helps us recruit excellent faculty to maintain the academic strength of the school.
  • $100,000will support financial aid for ILR School students in need. Roughly 50% of ILR students receive financial aid each year.

“Thank you for your support of the ILR School Annual Fund. This journey [through the ILR School] has been one of incredible self-discovery and skill exploration. Connecting with amazing professors and peers has made this period one of the happiest times of my life. Courses like Mediation in the Workplace have proven invaluable, helping me navigate conflicts more effectively and with less stress. My active involvement in various clubs and participation in ILR’s negotiation competition have further enriched my experience. All these opportunities mean the world to me and have greatly enhanced my time at the ILR School. Thank you for your support!” Jena Le ’27

Message from the dean

Alex Colvin, Ph.D. '99, Kenneth F. Kahn '69 Dean and the Martin F. Scheinman '75, 'MS '76, Professor of Conflict Resolution

“In my role as dean, my most important commitment is to uphold Cornell’s leading position in the academic exploration of labor and employment, while fostering continuous growth and our global influence. The ILR Annual Fund is a crucial source of support that empowers the school to drive progress in the workplace and for workers. It’s the bridge that helps us deliver top-notch education for all of our students, provides research funding for our faculty, and supports our students as they develop and thrive through hands-on experiences. The ILR Annual Fund touches nearly every aspect of the ILR School.

Support for the ILR Annual Fund leaves a deep, positive mark on the world of work—and without it, we would not be able to maintain our high standards of excellence.”

—Alexander J.S. Colvin Ph.D. ’99
Kenneth F. Kahn ’69 Dean
Martin F. Scheinman ’75, MS ’76, Professor of Conflict Resolution

Contact

Connect with us to learn more about ways to give to the ILR School Annual Fund by reaching out to a member of our team.

Every dollar adds up

We can do so much more with your support this year—and every year.

Make your gift to the ILR School