Katz Honored

The Harry C. Katz Courtyard, recognizing the school’s Jack Sheinkman Professor of Collective Bargaining and former dean, has been established by a small group of ILR alumni.

A labor relations expert, Katz was dean of the school for nine years, beginning in 2005. He served as Cornell’s interim provost from November 2014 until August.  

Katz said, “I am honored to have my name linked to the beautiful ILR lower quad. I look forward to walking through the garden on the way to my faculty office in the years ahead.”

The Katz Courtyard was turned into a lush oasis in 2012 by students in a Department of Horticulture course, “Creating the Urban Eden: Woody Plant Selection, Design and Landscape Establishment.”

Hundreds of trees, shrubs and groundcovers were planted,  and 6,500 square feet of sod formed a central lawn bordered by walkways and gardens.

Heat reflected by the courtyard’s north wall creates a warmer microclimate that accommodates  bamboo, juniper, Himalayan pine and banana plants.

It is a favorite lunch and meeting spot for many students, faculty and staff. Events for Homecoming and Alumni Weekend are also held in the courtyard, which opens into the space between Ives Hall and the Statler Hotel.