Carolyn J. Jacobson, director of public relations for the Bakery, Confectionery and Tobacco Workers International Union, has been named the 1996 Judge William B. Groat Alumni Award by the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Jacobson will be honored April 17 at a reception at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

The Groat Award, named for the New York State Supreme Court justice who played a key role in the founding of the ILR School and in drafting its charter, is presented annually to an ILR graduate who has demonstrated exceptional professional accomplishment in the field of industrial and labor relations, and outstanding service to the school. "Carolyn has the set the standard for progressive trade union activities in public relations," said David B. Lipsky, dean of the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. "She has been tireless in both her commitment and dedication to her profession and alma mater. Her efforts on behalf of our students have been extraordinary."

Jacobson has been a member of the Executive Council of the International Labor Communications Association, AFL-CIO, since 1980 and served as its president from 1986 to 1989. She has been a member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women since its founding convention in 1974.

Her support of the ILR School spans more than two decades, including 20-plus years of service on the alumni board and two terms as president of the ILR Alumni Association (1991- 95). Jacobson is founder of the ILR Women's Network in Washington, and she has been a key supporter of the D.C. Chapter of the ILR Alumni Association.

Jacobson has mentored numerous ILR students, initiated and sponsored internships and assisted dozens in their search for employment.

She earned a bachelor's degree from the ILR School in 1972 and a master's degree from American University in 1979.