Kimberly Hess, author of “A Lesser Mortal: The Unexpected Life of Sarah B. Cochran” will be giving a presentation on her book and research on September 8th at 4pm in Library 118. The event is INST approved and is co-sponsored by the Humanities Advisory Committee.

Who was the woman who built Cochran Hall and why is she largely unknown?  Through her marriage to Otterbein alum Philip G. Cochran, Sarah B. Cochran moved from financially humble origins to being a unique female business competitor of Henry Clay Frick’s.  Author Kimberly Hess will discuss that transformation, as well as Sarah’s philanthropic activity that shifted power through projects like Cochran Hall.  Because Otterbein’s archives were crucial for her book research, Kimberly will also discuss her writing process for producing the first biography of Sarah B. Cochran.

Cochran Hall used to stand where the Spirit Rock is now. It was there from 1902 to 1976.