Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity: CSU’s Temple Grandin to be Inducted into Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Today

Temple Grandin, Colorado State University’s pioneering expert in livestock behavior and welfare, will be inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame today, March 8, when she and nine other honorees will join the ranks of innovators whose ideas and persistence have elevated Colorado women and shaped the world.

WHEN / WHERE: The induction ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. March 8 at the Denver Marriott City Center. For information, visit the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame website, http://www.cogreatwomen.org/.

DETAILS: Grandin, who has autism, has overcome struggles with the disorder to provide unique insights into farm-animal behavior. With her ability to “think in pictures” and an uncanny connection to livestock, Grandin has designed humane-handling and auditing systems that have improved farm-animal welfare worldwide.

“Nature is cruel, but we don’t have to be,” Grandin has said of her work.

Meantime, she has become a hero to people with autism and their families, and often publicly discusses the importance of encouraging different types of thinking – and “quirky, nerdy kids” – for improved problem-solving and innovation.

“We consider Temple Grandin to be a quintessential inductee because she’s not only changed and impacted the livestock industry, but she’s also, on a personal level, really inspired and become a role model for so many individuals with autism and related disorders,” said Ruby Mayeda, chairwoman of the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame board of directors. “She’s inspired many parents to see the potential for their children.

“It’s in her core to make a difference,” said Mayeda, noting that Grandin overcame bullying and sexism to meet her goals.

Grandin’s renown has skyrocketed since the release in 2010 of an acclaimed HBO biographical feature film based on her book, “Thinking in Pictures.” Shortly after, TIME magazine named Grandin among the “100 Most Influential People in the World.”

Despite a dizzying speaking schedule, Grandin is always on campus to teach her livestock handling class at 1 p.m. Tuesdays. She also frequently lectures to CSU veterinary and equine students, and shepherds graduate students through their studies.

For more information and to watch a video about Grandin, visit http://www.colostate.edu/templegrandin/.
-30-