Carolyn Klass, a senior extension associate in entomology at Cornell University, is the recipient of the 2005 Gold Medal of Horticulture from the New York State Nursery and Landscape Association (NYSN/LA). Klass directs the insect diagnostic laboratory at Cornell and conducts outreach and extension work.

Klass was cited for her "outstanding contributions to horticulture in the state of New York," for her "outstanding leadership" in directing the entomology section of the Cornell Diagnostic Laboratory for more than 30 years and for "responding to countless questions pertaining to insect identification and pest management from consumers, professional and commercial audiences. … Carolyn Klass has always been and continues to be a friend to horticulture in New York state." Klass was also cited for her work with youth through the 4-H program.

NYSN/LA, composed of nearly 1,000 companies, is one of the state's leading trade associations and the only organization serving the interests of nursery growers, garden center operators and landscapers and those doing business with the green industry throughout New York.