Temple Grandin to Visit Utah State University
Temple Grandin, renowned scientist, author and lecturer, visits Utah State University Nov. 2 to present two lectures and participate in a book signing. In 2010, HBO produced a film about her life that won seven Emmy awards, a Golden Globe award and received an Oscar nomination. The lectures and book signing are free and open to the public.
The first lecture, “All Kinds of Minds Need to Work Together,” is about autism and disability issues and is held in the Taggart Student Center Stevenson Ballroom at 4 p.m. The second lecture is titled “Improving Animal Welfare: A Practical Approach,” and discusses animal psychology. This address is at 6:30 p.m. in the ballroom. Between the two lectures, Grandin will have a book signing in the TSC Sunburst Lounge.
A free showing of the HBO film, Temple Grandin, will take place Nov. 1 in the Taggart Center Auditorium at 7 p.m.
Grandin has appeared on television shows, including 20/20 and CNN’s Larry King Live, and has been featured in People magazine, the New York Times and Forbes for her world leadership in the design of livestock handling facilities. She was also named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2010.
In North America, nearly half of all cattle processing plants include a center track restrainer system that Grandin designed for meat plants. Her curved chute systems are used worldwide, and her writings on the flight zone and other principles of grazing animal behavior have helped numerous producers reduce stress on animals during handling.
Grandin’s accomplishments have all come in the midst of a personal battle with autism.
“I’m overwhelmed that she is visiting USU,” said Lyle McNeal, a professor in the Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Science Department. “I’m almost 70 years old, with my own physical issues. But the way she carries her life — I know that if she can do it, I can do it, too. She is a role model for our youth.”
Grandin’s personal accomplishments have been used in the Disability Law Center as part of an education program called “Everyone Can,” featuring stories from around the world that illustrate every individual’s uniqueness and skills as a contributor to a stronger society.
“It is exciting that she is such an advocate for autism and in bringing the academic and professional communities together,” said Alma Burgess, program coordinator for USU’s Center for Persons with Disabilities. “She draws people in everywhere she goes, so it’s exciting to have her come to Utah State.”
USU has been recognized as a leader in agricultural practices and disability advocacy and support. USU’s Center for Persons with Disabilities, Special Education program, Vocational Rehabilitation program and Assistive Technology program are among the many offerings that serve as beacons for people with disabilities and those who support them.
“If there is anywhere that people can appreciate the spectrum of influence that Dr. Grandin has made on the world, it is here,” said Sheri Newton, advocate for the Disability Law Center.
Individuals interested in the book signing may bring their own book authored by Grandin or they can purchase one at the USU Bookstore. Four titles are available, including Thinking in Pictures, Animals Make Us Human, The Way I See It and Humane Livestock Handling. Individuals may also pre-purchase a signed book in person or by telephone from the bookstore. The books may be obtained in the Taggart Student Center Sunburst Lounge Nov. 2 between 6 and 8 p.m.
More information is available online or contact Skyler Di Stefano, 435-797-7406, skyler.distefano@usu.edu.
Writer: Rhett Wilkinson, (801) 603-6004, rhett.wilkinson@usu.edu
Contact: Skyler Di Stefano, (435) 797-7406, skyler.distefano@usu.edu
Temple Grandin, renowned scientist, author and lecturer, visits Utah State University Nov. 2 to present two lectures and participate in a book signing.
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