Nick Vernon, Campus Carrier Deputy News Editor
Temple Grandin, professor of animal science at Colorado State University, will be speaking at Berry on Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. in The Cage Center arena. Grandin is well known for her work in designing humane livestock facilities, and has been featured on many prominent television networks, including CNN, NBC, ABC and CBS.
According to Colorado State University, at least half of all cattle in the United States and Canada, as well as many in other countries, are handled in humane slaughter systems designed by Grandin. Grandin has received much recognition for her story of success, and the impact she has had on both the autistic and animal science communities.
Temple Grandin’s television appearances include CNN’s “Larry King Live”, NBC’s “Today Show” and “20/20” and CBS’s “48 Hours.” Additionally, she has been featured in People magazine, The New York Times, Forbes and Time magazine. In 2010, HBO released a movie based on her life, titled “Temple Grandin,” starring Claire Danes. The film won seven Emmy awards and has further increased the recognition of Grandin’s incredible story.
Grandin’s book, “Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior,” was a national nonfiction bestseller.
Outside the realm of media, Grandin consults major food corporations such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Burger King, assisting their teams in designing effective and humane livestock facilities.
Grandin herself is autistic and was unable to talk until she was 3 years old. However, this did not stop Grandin achieving success through her revolutionary breakthroughs in the design of livestock facilities. In fact, Grandin’s autism has allowed her to see things that most people cannot.
Students and professors at Berry, across the disciplines, have made statements about Grandin coming to Berry.
Christina Bucher, associate professor of English, Writing and Rhetoric, said she was “thrilled” Grandin is visiting Berry.
“I’m especially excited because we discuss her work with animals and with slaughterhouse design in my [Rhetoric and Writing 101] courses when we read Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” Bucher said. “This semester, my students will get to have the remarkable experience of hearing her in person.”
Noelle Mouton, an animal science major and officer of the national agricultural honor society, Alpha Zeta,w said she was also looking forward to Grandin’s visit.
“After watching the HBO movie a few years ago, I was inspired by Temple Grandin’s story,” Mouton said. “Now that I have read and continued to learn about her influence on the cattle slaughter and transportation industry, I am amazed at how large of an impact one person can have. It is a great privilege to be able to have her speak here at Berry.”
The Conson C. Wilson Lectureship, which aims to bring scholars of national and international renown and interest to Berry, is hosting the lecture.