Ken Kahn '69 makes $5 million gift to the ILR School

Harry Katz, dean of the Cornell University ILR School, announces the creation of the Kenneth F. Kahn ILR ’69 Deanship of the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Kahn’s gift to endow the deanship is the largest from a donor in the school’s history.

“The ILR School is the leading educational institution of its kind in the world focusing broadly on the world of work, employment, and labor policy. The generosity of Ken and his family will help ILR deepen the impact of its teaching, research and outreach and extend our national and international reach,” Katz says.

Kahn, founder, president and CEO of LRP Publications, says that this gift is about “pay-back” to a school that has shaped and defined his life, both personally and professionally. “I view the ILR School as my rock. It has helped me build a successful career and business.” Kahn added that he knew the ILR School was one of the last remaining schools or colleges at Cornell that did not have a named deanship, so he “thought it was high time to do it.”

Kahn has been an avid supporter of the ILR School and Cornell University in the last four decades. Recognized as a foremost benefactor of Cornell, he served as chair of the Phase I and Phase II ILR School capital campaigns and helped raise funds for the Catherwood Library and the ILR Conference Center. Kahn, who also holds a law degree from Harvard Law School, has served as a long-time member of both the ILR Advisory Council and the Cornell University Council.

The formal announcement of Kahn’s gift was made Oct. 12 by Dean Katz and Cornell University President David Skorton at the annual ILR School fall faculty reception. The event was attended by Kahn and his family, ILR faculty and staff, and members of the ILR Advisory Council. Skorton called this an exciting development for the ILR School “honoring the leadership, generosity and vision of Ken Kahn.”

Publisher Kenneth Kahn '69 endows deanship for ILR School, calling it his 'rock' (Cornell Chronicle)