Last evening, I attended a forum of some twenty-five candidates for election to our city council.  In between two of the sessions, I went out of the auditorium into the corridor to see friends and acquaintances. To my surprise, one of those I encountered was a college classmate and near neighbor, Martin Karplus.

This morning, to my astonishment, I discovered that Martin has received the Nobel Prize in chemistry.  Along with two other scientists, he was recognized for “the development of multiscale models for complex chemical systems.” I have no idea of what this means but I take pride and feel joy at what a friend has been recognized for accomplishing.

I also take it as significant that Martin was taking part in an event of importance to our community.  It would not be until today, the next morning, that he received the telephone call informing him of his honor.  I may not see him anytime soon to speak congratulatory words to him, but I already take great pleasure in this event and my own good fortune in having encountered the winner at almost the time his prize was announced.