Off Duty Online
Join author Robert Cook in this inaugural 2025 Off Duty online session hosted by the Marshall Center. Mr. Cook will discuss his newest novel “The Mahdi” – a geopolitical thriller set in Gaza and the West Bank, as seen through the lens of a modern liberal Muslim.
Event Details
This event will be held on Zoom.
Author Robert Cook
BIOGRAPHY
Robert Cook is a multifaceted individual whose remarkable journey spans numerous roles: Eagle Scout, shooter, soldier, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, vintner and now celebrated author. His diverse background enriches his writing, providing a unique depth to his narratives.
A United States Army Vietnam veteran, Cook achieved the rank of major and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Army Commendation Medal. His distinguished military service also included earning the coveted parachutist badge.
In 1987, Cook was honored as the KPMG Entrepreneur of the Year for the Metropolitan Washington, DC Region. His entrepreneurial spirit and success are complemented by his philanthropic efforts. He endowed the Robert E. Cook Honors College at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, an institution celebrated in Donald Asher’s “Cool Colleges for the Hyper Intelligent, Late Blooming, and Just Plain Different.”
Cook’s literary acclaim includes being the author of the only fiction book on Bill Gates’ Summer 2013 reading list. He earned a BS in Mathematics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the George Washington University.
Originally from Altoona, Pennsylvania, Robert Cook’s life and work reflect a commitment to excellence, innovation and giving back to the community. His latest novel, “The Mahdi,” is a testament to his storytelling prowess, drawing from his rich experiences to create a gripping and relevant narrative.