Professor Lamis passed away after a brave battle with a long and complex illness. There were many times when it looked as if he would recover fully, and we hoped he would return to the campus. As recently as the holidays he seemed to be on a positive path, and that makes his passing even more difficult to accept.

An expert on Southern politics and an enthusiast for all things political, Professor Lamis loved being a professor at CWRU. He will live on in the memories of his students and colleagues for his infectious love of politics, his optimism, his sense of humor, and his keen insights. He will also be remembered by fellow scholars for his body of work, which kept alive some of the best traditions in political science: careful attention to history and local context, a focus on the choices and strategies of particular leaders, great skills at conducting interviews, and beautiful writing. More information about Professor Lamis’ interests, contribution, and career can be found on his faculty webpage.

A Funeral Mass for Professor Lamis was held at St. George Catholic Church in Erie, Pennsylvania on February 16, 2012. The service was accompanied by beautiful music and a wonderful eulogy was given by Professor Lamis’s older brother Pano Lamis. Our thoughts are with the Lamis family, Renee and their three young sons, as they cope with this tragedy. They have been brave and kept up hope as he did the same.

Donations in the memory of Professor Lamis can be made to the Department of Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7608. The fund will be used to help students. Contributions to a college fund for Alec’s children may be sent to Renee Lamis, c/o Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 W. 38th St., Erie, PA 16508.

Updated: February 19, 2012