News

23 September 2005
Cindy honored as Austin High School distinguished graduate

Cindy has been featured in the August 18 edition of the Post Bulletin newspaper. The article highlights Cindy's recognition as one of 3 people honored as distinguished Austin High School graduates.

3 become ‘distinguished alumni'

A former leader of Hormel Foods Corp., a president of a therapeutic program, and a motivational speaker will be honored as distinguished Austin High School graduates this fall.

The Austin High School Alumni & Friends Association recently announced the recipients of its fourth annual Distinguished Alumni Award.

They are Richard Knowlton, the former chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president for Hormel; Dr. Patricia Thatcher Montgomery, president of Therapeutic Intervention Programs Inc.; and Cindy Howden, a motivational speaker and counselor for independent living.

The three will be honored at a Sept. 22 student assembly at Austin High School, followed by a recognition dinner in the school's Ove Berven Gym.

Seven Austin High graduates have been honored with the award since 2002.

This year a committee viewed about 35 nominations, said Jeni Lindberg, chairperson of the award program. "It's a tough task."

Knowlton, a 1950 alum, retired in l995 as chairman of Hormel's board of directors after four decades with the company. He serves as Hormel Foundation's board chairman.

His nominators endorsed Knowlton for his "determination to keep the new Hormel plant in Austin in spite of fierce opposition and major obstacles,"
according to the nomination form. They also recognized him for his "support and enthusiasm" for local projects in Austin.

Thatcher Montgomery, a 1961 graduate, heads a private practice in Hopkins, Minn., that provides home-based services to pediatric patients and continuing education to health professionals. The Minnetonka, Minn., resident has received many awards, including the Catherine Worthingham Fellows of the American Physical Therapy Association in 2003.

Howden, a 1977 Austin High alumna, lives in Roca, Nebraska, and works as a motivational speaker and counselor for independent living, helping people with disabilities work toward getting employment.

Howden was critically injured in an accident while showing horses in 1988, according to her nomination form. Her head and spine appeared damaged beyond repair, and she was told she wouldn't walk again.

Now she uses a motorized cart and can walk short distances. Howden, also, is able to tend to her hobby farm by herself.

Recipients of the award had to be nominated. Selection criteria included the candidate must have graduated from Austin High at least 10 years prior to the induction, contributed to society in an exemplary manner and achieved outstanding success in business, a profession, the arts, humanitarian efforts or community service.