About the Series
About the Speaker Series
The H. Louise & H.E. "Ed" Cobb Speaker Series was established in 1991. It is the primary fundraising event for the Friends of the OSU Library. All proceeds from the event directly benefit the OSU Libraries.
The series is presented annually by the Friends of the OSU Library to recognize an outstanding body of work that has profoundly influenced the way in which we understand ourselves and American society at large. A selection committee chooses the keynote speaker on a noncompetitive basis.
This event is made possible each year thanks to the ongoing generosity of the Cobb family.
Cobb Family History
H. Louise Cobb was the wife of H.E. "Ed" Cobb, CEO of Toklan Oil and Gas Company of Tulsa and a founding member of the Friends of the OSU Library. Louise graduated from Oklahoma A&M College in 1949 with a bachelor's degree in Home Economics. While at OAMC, she served as chapter president. She passed away in 1992.
In 1994, Mr. Cobb and his three children established a substantial endowment to fund a speaker for the Friends of the Library banquet. Beginning in 1995 the event was named after Mrs. Cobb. It was known as the H. Louise Cobb and the Friends of the Library Speaker Series.
After Mr. Cobb passed away in 1999, his children chose to honor both parents by renaming the event the H. Louise and H.E. "Ed" Cobb Speaker Series. The continued support of the Cobb family has made this event an ongoing success.
The series is presented annually by the Friends of the OSU Library to recognize an outstanding body of work that has profoundly influenced the way in which we understand ourselves and American society at large. A selection committee chooses the keynote speaker on a noncompetitive basis.
Funds from the H. Louise & H.E. "Ed" Cobb Lecture Series Endowment are used to pay the speaker fees for the authors featured at the event. The growing endowment means the Friends will be able to continue hosting prestigious authors.
The family of Louise and Ed have continued the couple's legacy of supporting the OSU Library. Each year the Cobbs sponsor a table at the dinner and the children and grandchildren of Louise and Ed attend the event. Patrick Cobb, son of Ed and Louise, and his daughter-in-law, Hannah Cobb, now serve on the Friends of the OSU Library Board of Directors.