Hormel Institute in Austin celebrates 80th anniversary

(ABC 6 News) – The Hormel Institute in Austin celebrated its 80th anniversary Friday.

Started in 1942 by Jay C. Hormel, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota has a nearly eight-decade history of making significant scientific discoveries aimed at improving the health of the world.

Speakers at the event included U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, and many leaders from the local community and region.

Executive Director Dr. Robert Clarke says that while there are many partners of The Hormel Institute, it’s ultimately an institute of the people. "We are your institute. Certainly part of it is University, part of it is partners, part of it is Mayo, but we are really yours. We wouldn’t be here without you, without the foundation, without the support from Paint the Town Pink. We just simply couldn’t do what we do."

Clarke and the rest of the team at The Hormel Institute are continuing to do research on cancer and are hoping to find a cure for it one day.

For a list of other 80th Anniversary events, click here.