Silver Spring, Md.
AFL-CIO General Board statement
Since its inception as the AFL-CIO Labor Studies Center in 1969, and then as the George Meany Center for Labor Studies in 1977, the National Labor College has been a driving force for the education of working men and women.
Over the past 38 years, the National Labor College has provided education and training to nearly 200,000 union members and leaders.
The National Labor College serves as a meeting place and educational center for unions across the country.
Lane Kirkland served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the George Meany Center for Labor Studies from 1979 until 1995.
Under Lane Kirkland’s leadership, the Meany Center flourished, offering education and training programs for international union staff, local leaders and trade unionists from around the world.
Lane Kirkland supported and expanded the mission of the Meany Center, paving the way for the National Labor College.
In recognition of its expanded mission and desire to provide state-of-the-art learning facilities and increased capacity for education and training, the Board of Trustees of the National Labor College, with support from the AFL-CIO, authorized the construction of a new, 72,000-square-foot facility.
Lane Kirkland was a passionate leader and a powerful force who dedicated his life and work to transforming the lives of working people, building a strong labor movement and promoting social justice throughout the world.
The AFL-CIO and the Board of Trustees of the National Labor College recognize Lane Kirkland’s long history of service to the labor movement and unwavering support of education and training for working men and women and deem it appropriate that this newest campus facility be named in his honor.
By authority of the General Board of the AFL-CIO, this new facility is dedicated to Lane Kirkland.