02/16/2009 - Toast of the town: Hundreds turn out to honor Bill Cochran (New Albany Tribune)
Toast of the town: Hundreds turn out to honor Bill Cochran
By AMANDA ARNOLD
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When former State Rep. Bill Cochran stepped inside the Culbertson West on Sunday after to collect tickets for a murder mystery play, he had no idea that about 350 people awaited to honor him with a Roast and Toast, not a murder mystery.
During an interview, Cochran admitted that, "It was a big shock. I came walking in here all nonchalantly to pick up tickets for the murder mystery and then they announced my name, but it still didn't dawn on me. When everyone stood up, I realized I been had."
Cochran's accomplishments are throughout the area, including establishing the funding for the Providence Retirement Home in New Albany, a number of road projects and major funding for Indiana University Southeast.
According to Jim E. Stammerman, executive assistant to the chancellor at Ivy Tech Community College, and previously served as assistant to the chancellor at IUS for 15 years, Cochran is known as "Mr. IUS" in Indianapolis. Cochran pushed the funding for the new library building, Knob View, and the new dormitory lodges.
"Without him, I don't think we would have the campus we would have today. He carried the ball, and he was the one who pushed," Stammerman said during Sunday's event. He also stated that Cochran's legacy is everywhere.
To honor Cochran's 34 years of service in the State Legislature, after serving as Floyd County Clerk and deputy in the sheriff's department, State Sen. Connie Sipes, Congressman Barron Hill and Mayor Doug England began planning the Roast and Toast in mid-December. Cochran was defeated in the November election by Rep. Ed Clere.
"We knew that we wanted to do something for Bill, and obviously the thing to do was get his family involved," Sipes said.
Sipes contacted Cochran's wife of 55 years and their children, Rex, Sherry and Rick. The ceremony grew with more than a dozen keynote speakers. The highlight occurred when Sipes presented Cochran with the Sagamore of the Wabash award, an award given by the governor to outstanding citizens.
"The whole definition of the Sagamore award is to be given to someone who is a distinguishing member of the community. With Mitch Daniels, it was no issue," Sipes said. "He's pretty selective about whom he gives the Sagamore to, but he had no problem giving it to Bill because he felt he deserved it."
One of the first speakers during the Roast and Toast, Marcey Wisman, chair of the Floyd County Democratic Party, shared her appreciation for Cochran.
"He never once held this position of leadership over anyone's head, and I think we all thank him for that," she said. "We are here today to say thank you. We will continue to carry on and look towards your leadership for guidance in our quest of the work you started to help see our community and state through hard times." She closed with the hope of passing his lessons on to future generations.
Former Congressman Lee Hamilton spoke about his long-running friendship with Cochran via video.
"I know I could always count on your friendship," Hamilton said. "It's been one terrific journey. You've had a remarkable career that's been very productive. You continue to make contributions and I thank you. I'm sure there's much more work for you to do and your work will continue to satisfy us all and you will have the comfortable satisfaction of looking back on a job well-done."
Former Indiana first lady Judy O'Bannon also spoke of Cochran's friendship and guidance for both her and her late husband and former governor Frank O'Bannon.
"Bill has been my counsel, my teacher and my trainer. He would explain what happened in the House that day and how it affected the Senate and the lieutenant governor," O'Bannon said. "He was also a counsel to Frank when he needed a legislator who would look him in the eye and give him the real word as a friend."
Most of the speakers also presented Cochran with gifts, some which were serious.
Mayor England honored Cochran with a City of New Albany Proclamation for his service to the community and making "our community a better and more enjoyable place."
"He's a good family man and a good human being and always caring about others before himself," England said.
Cochran took the stage at the end of the Roast and Toast and thanked everyone for the surprise ceremony.
"I had a great ride," he said. "I had a lot of fun over the years doing public service. I enjoyed it all, all the friendship and for you being here today."
