Animal Behavioral Scientist and Autism Advocate Dr Temple Grandin to Receive Honorary Doctorate at SUNY Cobleskills 106th Commencement

COBLESKILL — SUNY Cobleskill is thrilled to announce that world-renowned scientist, inventor, and innovative animal behaviorist Dr. Temple Grandin will be awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science and deliver the keynote address during its 106th Commencement on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

A visionary in animal science and autism advocacy, Dr. Grandin’s is widely recognized for her innovative work in improving livestock treatment through the design of humane handling facilities, including SUNY Cobleskill. Facilities designed to her specifications are located throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. In North America, almost half of all beef cattle are handled in a center track restrainer system that she designed for meat plants, and her writings on the principles of grazing animal behavior have helped many people reduce stress on their animals during handling.

Open and unreserved about her personal challenges and breakthroughs with autism, along with her role as a preeminent professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, Dr. Grandin has used her platform to share her expertise widely, inspiring countless others to pursue careers dealing with animal welfare and neurodiversity in humans. She has been a driving force in bridging the gap between science and public awareness, ensuring that her insights reach a broad audience and those who can benefit the most. 

Her unique perspective, shaped by her own experience with autism and shared through many articles, books, and lectures, has advanced our understanding of the condition while fostering greater inclusivity and understanding. 

“Dr. Grandin’s commitment to improving the lives of others has earned her not only respect within her fields of expertise but also admiration as a compassionate and forward-thinking leader,” said Dr. Marion Terenzio, President of SUNY Cobleskill. “The conferment of SUNY Cobleskill's 2024 Honorary Doctorate of Science further acknowledges Dr. Grandin's exceptional contributions and dedication to shaping a more empathetic and informed world. Her transformative work in animal science and autism advocacy exemplifies the values we strive to instill in our graduates, making her a source of inspiration for our entire academic community."

SUNY Cobleskill’s 106th Commencement occurs on Saturday, May 18 in a ceremony slated to begin at 11 a.m., outdoors, adjacent to the Neal Robbins Field House.