Once again, the class of ’61 is indirectly being recognized as a result of one of its dedicated classmates. This time it is Ivar Jozus, our multiple-term and highly effective class treasurer, who is carrying on the class tradition. I was informed yesterday that Ivar had just been named the outstanding Class Treasurer of the Year. Ivar does not yet know this and by the time that he reads about it in this article sometime in October, he will already have received his award at Class Officers Weekend in September. Congratulations, Ivar, for a job well done.


Regarding our class’ recognition for having the Class of 1961 Legacy Fund achieve its long-term goal in June 2013 of reaching $1 million in the fund (net after having deducted contributions to Hopkins Center during a period of more than a decade to support or help support approximately 45 separate performing arts events), the class, David Birney and Oscar Arslanian received a personal letter of acknowledgment and gratitude in early June from Jeff James, the director of the Hopkins Center for the Arts. The letter thanks the class for its “extraordinary generosity and commitment to the fund” and for “an extraordinary accomplishment.” Jeff closes his letter by stating that the ’61 Legacy Fund “is a wonderful and lasting gift that many generous [1961 class member] donations have made possible.” Congratulations to all of you who made donations to the fund through the years.


Kudos to Bruce Forester, psychiatrist and author of about six or seven medical mystery novels, who just had his new book, When a Stranger Knocks, published. This is the second book in a multi-book mystery series containing the same lead characters. The book can be ordered from AuthorHouse at www.authorhouse.com or through your local bookseller or preferred online retailer. If this book is as good as his other medical mystery novels, it should be pleasant easy reading.


Kudos also to Pete Holbrook, a well-known realist painter and outstanding artist who specializes in oil painting inspired by more than 30 years of photographs taken in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. One published review of his work stated that, “Holbrook brings forth the majesty of the mountains in pieces that are not only technically sound but also have an expressive flair that makes them visually appealing.” Pete can spend many hours reviewing and manipulating the photos until a certain combination of compositional and environmental elements emerge to inspire a new painting. Since 1970 Pete has lived and painted in northern California. For more information about his works and his painting style, visit sewellgallery.com. 


In closing, I would like to mention the passing in August of Cleve Carney, one of our more outstanding classmates during the past 55 years. A more lengthy and detailed obituary is listed online by the class. Cleve will be missed by many, including his Dartmouth friends, his swim team members and his fraternity brothers.


—Victor S. Rich, 5 Red Ground Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568; victor.rich@rsmi.com