Rachel Philipson

Lou Jean Fleron, director of the Cornell in Buffalo program High Road Fellowships, in the historic Market Arcade Building.

The 70th anniversary of the ILR School in Buffalo, New York, will be celebrated March 31 and April 1.

ILR Dean Kevin Hallock, ILR Professor Emerita Lois Gray and Professor Harry Katz, a former ILR dean, will kick off events March 31 at 4 p.m. with a panel discussion, “Reflections of ILR in Buffalo: Seven Decades of Progress at Work.” Four months after the ILR School held its first class on the Ithaca campus in November 1945, the school’s Buffalo office opened, with Gray as director. 

All March 31 events will be held in the Market Arcade, the historic downtown Buffalo building that is home to the new Cornell in Buffalo complex. The Cornell suite includes the ILR School and its Worker Institute, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, Cornell High Road Fellowships and the Partnership for the Public Good.

An open house to mark the opening of the space will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guests will be guided to displays and videos highlighting Cornell in Buffalo programs as well as the university’s rich history in the area.

Remarks on “Decades Ahead for Cornell in Buffalo” begin at 6 p.m. as part of the open house.

Speakers include Cornell Vice Provost Judith Appleton, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, Assemblyman Sean Ryan, D-Buffalo, Empire State Development Regional President Sam Hoyt, Cornell Club of Greater Buffalo President Jack McGowan, Hallock and Katz.

Those wishing to attend on March 31 are asked to register, but the events are free and open to the public.

On April 1, from 9 a.m. to noon, Engaged Cornell will offer a guided bus tour: “Buffalo Side by Side: New Economy and Old Challenges.” Those interested are asked to make reservations.