Famed sports writer Deford featured at Cobb Speaker Series

Monday, September 26, 2005

Frank Deford is well recognized in virtually every medium. The versatile writer has published 14 books, is a senior writer at Sports Illustrated, a commentator on NPR’s "Morning Edition" and a regular commentator on HBO’s "Real Sports."

He is also the featured speaker for the H. Louise & H.E. “Ed” Cobb Speaker Series on Nov. 4. The event is an annual fundraiser for the OSU-Stillwater Library System.

"This event is made possible every year through the generosity of the Cobb family,"  said Chad Haney, director of library development. "In 1994, Mr. Cobb and his three children established an endowment to fund a speaker for the Friends of the OSU Library banquet. The family’s continued support has ensured our ongoing success. This year, we are also grateful to our corporate sponsor, Stillwater National Bank.”

The event includes a welcome reception at 6 p.m. and dinner in the library’s Peggy V. Helmerich Browsing Room at 6:30 p.m. After dinner, Deford will speak and take questions from the audience. A signing reception will follow. This will be the only opportunity to hear and meet Deford.

Golden Circle Sponsors of the event, as well as those donating to the library at a certain level, will be invited to an exclusive pre-event with Deford. Those interested should contact Haney at 405-744-6323 for more information.

Seating is limited and reservations must be made by Oct. 26. Individual tickets are $75, and half the cost is tax-deductible. One can sponsor the attendance of an OSU student for $75. Full cost of student-sponsored tickets is tax-deductible.

A table for eight can be sponsored for $750. This sponsorship level includes a complimentary signed copy of "Everybody’s All-American" and recognition in the program; $450 is tax-deductible. Golden Circle Sponsorships are $1,500. This sponsorship level includes admission to the exclusive pre-event with Deford, premium seating for eight, a complimentary signed copy of "Everybody’s All-American" and "The Old Ball Game," recognition in the program and publicity releases; $1,200 is tax-deductible.

“The event was originally publicized to feature author Frank McCourt," Haney said. "Due to unexpected circumstances, that engagement had to be canceled. We are very pleased to be able to offer another author of such a high caliber. Deford is a great speaker and he’s excited about visiting OSU. I’m sure our guests will be very happy with this year’s event.”

For more details or to request invitations, call 405-744-7331, email lib-pub@okstate.edu, or visit https://friends.library.okstate.edu/.