Temple Grandin signing a student’s copy of Visual Thinking, Grandin’s newest book. Photo by Aaron Wendt.
Lake Land College (LLC) had the opportunity to host Dr. Temple Grandin, an author, professor, animal behaviorist, and autism spokesperson on Oct. 12 in the Luther Student Center (LSC) theater to speak on her newest book.
It was a ticketed event, put on by the Mattoon Arts Council. They rented out the theater in LSC, but they were willing to make the event accessible to LLC students, faculty, and staff by livestream, not just in Webb Hall room 081, but also to the LLC YouTube channel. The Webb Hall livestream was also accompanied by free food and drinks, and those in attendance received a free copy of Dr. Grandin’s new book, Visual Thinking. With help from the library, the LLC Foundation purchased the books to be distributed to students.
Dr. Grandin spoke mostly about her new book, Visual Thinking, during her presentation. Though, at one point she made nearly the entire theater laugh. She had spilled her water bottle right next to the monitor she was reading from and even got it a little wet. She was thankful she did not spill on the computer. At the end of the presentation, she opened it up to questions from the audience. The audience had lots of questions for her ranging anywhere from questions about her time in the livestock industry to advice on helping family members with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
After answering many questions, she dismissed the theater to Laker Point in LSC for a meet and greet. There, she signed her books, took pictures, and met much of her audience. Those viewing the livestream in Webb Hall were also able to come to Laker Point to meet Dr. Grandin. Many of the students were especially excited to meet her and get their free book signed.
To get your own free copy of Dr. Temple Grandin’s newest book, contact Mercury Bowen at [email protected] or stop by their office in Webb Hall 039 in the tutoring center. They will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Also, a copy of it is available to be checked out from the library.
