Harold Dinzes (right) receives “DTH” from Arnold Kortkin
This past Monday, the 96 year old veteran of the Korean War and World War II — the oldest American veteran now attending college on the GI Bill — was honored at a ceremony at Montclair State University for having completed 120 credit hours at the college. The Passaic resident, who graduated from Passaic High School in 1938, has been an MSU student since the Spring 2005 semester, taking courses in history, sociology and other subjects.
Baristanet was happy to learn about Dinzes’ achievement and inspiration from our resident “cybrarian” Arnold Krotkin, of Little Falls, an adjunct sociology professor at MSU for 27 years. “Harold is an incredible man and I had the honor and privilege of being one of his professors in the Fall 2012 semester,” Krotkin explains.
“He is a terrific guy and an incredible human being. Hariold walks around campus with a backpack and a cane, but he doesn’t keep to himself; he interacts with students a fraction of his age. I’m very lucky to have had him in class and gotten to know him.” Korotkin also noted that Dinzes frequently travels around New Jersey to meet with families of more recent war veterans to recognize their service.
During the ceremony at MSU, Dinzes was recognized for his academic achievements and presented with a certificate by Korotkin. Although not technically a degree, Dinzes now possesses a DTH — that’s “Doctor of Thinkology” (referencing what The Wizard of Oz bestowed on the scarecrow in recognition of his superior brain).
When not on campus, Dinzes can often be found at the Clifton Barnes & Noble–not lounging in the cafe, but working as a part time bookseller, where he’s been on the job for the past 13 years. Although he’s not computer-savvy, Dinzes’ fellow employees have created a Facebook page with terrific photos and anecdotes about him.
“We should all be as sharp and positive as Harold when we reach his young age!” Korotkin notes. We agree.
Photo by Alan Myers, courtesy Arnold Korotkin.
