For those of you who may recall our deceased classmate Bennett Tarshish, I was contacted by his son Dan, who is a current member of the British diplomatic service, serving in one of the world’s current hot beds for terrorism and diplomacy. Dan was 3 years old when his father died in England (1972). He and his mother remained in England. Since Dan was so young when his father died, he has spent many years attempting to learn more about him, which included his four years as a Dartmouth undergraduate in the class of ’61. If there are any classmates who remember Bennett, please jot down some notes and e-mail them to me victor.rich@mcgladrey.com and richwind13@gmail.com or fax them to me at (212) 918-1166 and I will forward them onto Dan. Thanks for assisting Dan in his quest to learn more about his father. 


Oscar Arslanian and his lovely and obviously competent wife, Nyla, were recently honored by the Travel and Tourism Marketing Association for their contribution to cultural tourism in Hollywood, California. Oscar and Nyla are the long time publisher and editor, respectively, of the Discover Hollywood magazine. The award recognized their leadership in the travel and tourism industry and their significant long-term involvement in the reinvigoration of Hollywood as a tourist destination. Next comes a star for each of them on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?


While still dealing with honors, let me report Art Kelton was recently elected president of the Dartmouth Club of the Vail region in Colorado. The club, now one of the most active in the country, is well known for scheduling and hosting the very popular annual CarniVail ski event. Art has also been selected to chair our class nominating committee to select new class officers at our 50th reunion for the subsequent five-year period. If interested in running for an office, give Art a call or e-mail him.


Still speaking of awards, Ken DeHaven was recognized several months ago by the Cleveland Clinic for the Distinguished Alumnus Award. This award apparently is the real deal! Had we known about this earlier Ken would have been happy to sign autographs on full-cover photo shots.


Our class was recognized in the fall as the recipient of the special mention in recognition of a special mini-reunion event held during 2010, in Philadelphia. The event was highly successful because of the planning and leadership of Dave Prewitt (my “twin brother”) and his delightful and talented wife, Joan.


Remember to sign up to attend our very first, and last, 50th reunion from June 9-14. From the looks of the preliminary schedule, the expanded weekend appears to be an outstanding event, thanks to our 50th reunion chairman, Maynard Wheeler, and his many assistants. 


A recent letter from President Kim to the class extolling our virtues discussed, among other areas, the ’61 legacy for the performing arts and its positive effect on Dartmouth’s students, Hopkins Center and the entire Upper Valley. President Kim stated it well when he said that the program helps “to breathe life into this extraordinary institution, and I am grateful.” So are we!


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