Dr. Cochrane returns for release of first poetry collection

By Kira Rodriguez, Creative Corner Editor

On Oct. 6, Canisius University’s professor emeritus of Creative Writing and English, Dr. Mick Cochrane, returned to campus in light of his first collection of poetry being released. Hosted by the creative writing program and Dr. Graham Stowe, a professor of English at Canisius, the event took place in the Grupp Fireside Lounge in the Richard E. Winter Student Center. Friends and family of Dr. Cochrane, as well as students, faculty and alumni, joined him for a book signing, Q&A and a reception.

“How to Sacrifice”, published with the help of Canisius alumnus Aidan Ryan through Foundlings Press, consisted of poems about baseball, fatherhood and family, memory, retirement, illness and a mix of what Dr. Cochrane jokingly called “dad” poems. “How to Sacrifice” is Dr. Cochrane’s first published work after his retirement in the spring of 2026, making the event special for many. “A great part of my experience at Canisius University is due to Dr. Cochrane, and so it’s really great to not just see him, but also support him and his work. It’s really great to see his teaching manifest in his writing,” said Kaitlyn Boxley, a senior Creative Writing and English student working the event. 

Boxley wasn’t the only one touched by his work. In attendance were over fifty supporters, whether they were friends and family or students and faculty. Dr. Cochrane shared a few poems from his collection aloud, sharing the inspiration behind each one. At the end of his reading, the room stood in ovation. “It makes me think like this is possible for people. The fact that he reached out to us specifically also makes me feel really special because it makes me feel like I’ve been doing something right,” said Emma Menhert, another English and Creative Writing senior helping at the event.

Dr. Cochrane’s poetry collection, “How to Sacrifice”, is available to purchase online from the distributor, Asterism, by visiting https://asterismbooks.com/publisher/foundlings-press.