One of the visitors to the Hormel Institute's 60th anniversary open house Sunday observed after a tour of the laboratories, "I don't know what I just saw, but it's mighty impressive."

Richard L. Knowlton, chairman of the board of Hormel Foundation, told the story to a large crowd of visitors Sunday afternoon.

The Hormel Foundation remains one of the largest supporters of the Hormel Institute. Last year, the foundation

gave $1.3 million to the research institute.

"I think Jay Hormel would be very proud of the institute were he alive today," said Knowlton.

Proud, indeed.

Dr. Zigang Dong, executive director of the institute, welcomed all to the open house Sunday afternoon. Recalling the beginnings of the institute, Dong said, Jay C. Hormel, son of the founder of Hormel Foods Corporation (formerly Geo. A. Hormel & Company), "recognized the progress of mankind is built on scientific discovery."

The foundation became a major contributor, beginning November 20, 1942, when the Hormel Institute opened its doors.

Coupled with the support of the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, the institute became one of the few research cents in America; even predating the creation of the National Institutes of Health.

"Sixty years of hard work and high standards have made the Hormel Institute a first-class medical research center," Dong said.

Knowlton, the former chairman of the board, president and CEO of Hormel Foods Corporation, and his predecessor, I.J. Holton, were among the dignitaries honored for their support of the institute's mission and work.

Dr. Victor Bloomfield, interim dean of the Graduate School of the University of Minnesota and current chairman of the Hormel Institute's board of directors,

also praised the work of the institute's scientists and staff.

Nostalgia was everywhere, when Mary Hill, a

cousin of Arlene Privett was introduced. Orville and Arlene Privett left their estate to the institute and created the Privette Professorship at the research center.

Holton also represented the institute's formative years as a medical research center, but Dr. Ralph T. Holman, a former long-time scientist and director, best captured the legacy of the scientists who labored so long in the center's laboratories.

Dr. Harald Schmid, who preceded Dong as director, was also singled out for praise for his vision.

After thge program, tours of the laboratories continued and the new emphasis on cancer research was told and retold to visitors.

There must have been more than one visitor, who left not completely understanding all that they heard, but knowing it's "mighty impressive."

(Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at

lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com)