In honor of a cherished colleague whose extraordinary leadership advanced employment, equity and societal inclusion for people with disabilities, the ILR School will dedicate the Thomas P. Golden Courtyard on Wednesday.

Golden, executive director of the K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute of Employment and Disability Institute, died on Nov. 1, 2020, at age 57. As an institute leader for 29 years, he oversaw dozens of initiatives that have improved access to work for adults and teens with disabilities

The courtyard design includes a waterfall structure, accessibility beyond ADA standards, year-round plantings, an open-air roofed section, seating and enhanced wifi and electricity.

The dedication will be held from 11 a.m. to noon in the courtyard adjacent to King-Shaw Hall. Speakers will be Ariel Avgar, K. Lisa Yang ’74, ILR Dean Alex Colvin and Janel Haas Golden, Golden’s wife and the mother of their children, Sophie, Kaleb and Josiah.

A panel discussion by eight institute and ILR colleagues about Golden’s legacy will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday in 423 King-Shall Hall and on Zoom. Avgar will moderate.

Read the full story on ILR’s website.

Mary Catt is director of communications for the ILR School.