A sophomore in Currier House, speaking oncondition of anonymity, said, "He just had a veryintense way about him, and he's very good atmaking people uncomfortable."

Fred Elster said he hopes the Harvard communitywill wait until the case is resolved beforejudging his son.

"All my life, I've lived for this moment. Meand my wife are both older people. This is allwe've got," he said. "That's all we've livedfor...for my son to be able to stand on his owntwo feet."

Fred Elster said he fears that even if thecharges against his son are dropped or Joshua isacquitted of the crime, Joshua's educationalcareer at Harvard will be "effectively finished."

Still, he said, "my son might have a chance tocome back if he's found innocent."

Fred Elster said he and his family will wait tosee how the case develops before deciding whetherto come to Cambridge to visit Joshua.

Elster has a strong interest in foreignlanguages, according to friends. He took Italianlast year and intends to begin an intensive studyof the French language.

Elster is also an editor of the HarvardLampoon, having successfully completed the humormagazine's comp last spring.

Friends all agreed that Elster has a decidedlyunique sense of humor.

Matthew J. T. Murray '99, the Lampoon'spresident, said in a statement for theorganization that they were surprised to learnElster had been arrested.

"We know nothing about the charges as of yet,and rape is a horrible thing no matter when ithappens," Murray said