A Tribute to Steve Strack, Founding Executive Officer of SITAR
Steve Strack
In May 2012, Stephen Strack, Ph.D. stepped down as Executive Officer (EO) of SITAR, a position he held for 15 years. In that position, Steve was responsible for the day-to-day functioning of SITAR, kept us organized and on track, and ensured that our society continued to expand and grow. His dedication and service to SITAR are commendable. His interpersonal warmth mixed with the right amount of agency has significantly influenced our society and our members in a myriad of ways.
Steve - we are indebted to you for your tireless commitment to this organization. We present the sentiments of past SITAR presidents as a tribute to you with sincere appreciation for all that you have done.
The Executive Committee of SITAR
Steve - we are indebted to you for your tireless commitment to this organization. We present the sentiments of past SITAR presidents as a tribute to you with sincere appreciation for all that you have done.
The Executive Committee of SITAR
Tributes
Steve has been the very heart of SITAR. He was one of the original founders and helped to nurture the organization through its early years. As Executive Officer, he continued to shape and guide SITAR to become the vibrant organization it is today. Steve’s impact on interpersonal theory and research goes well beyond his contributions to SITAR. He is an influential author and researcher whose publications address key issues in personality theory and assessment. The Handbook of Interpersonal Psychology, which he co-edited with Leonard Horowitz, is a landmark volume that provides the definitive view of the broad domain of interpersonal theory, research, and treatment. It is only appropriate to end this brief tribute with a comment on Steve’s interpersonal style. He is a warm, unassuming man, unfailingly patient and kind, who exerts a calm, supportive leadership style that brings out the best in people. Definitively LM-PA! Well done, Steve. Thanks for everything.
Lynn Alden
The film We Were Soldiers tells the story of Lt. Colonel Harold Gregory “Hal” Moore, who led the 1st Battalion, 7th Calvary Regiment, into what was to become the first major engagement of the Vietnam War. Standing before his troops on the eve of battle, he is shown offering these comforting words: “I will be the first to set foot on the field, and I will be the last to step off.” These were the words that first came to mind when I was asked to say a few words about our friend and Executive Officer, Steve Strack. Put simply, no one has demonstrated a greater commitment to our Society than Steve. Each and every year, he has been the first to arrive at our meeting locations, to ensure that all the relevant meeting details have been handled; and each and every year, he seems to be among the last to leave once the meeting has ended. While all of us attendees look forward each year to our chance to stand and present at the front of the room, it is always Steve who stands quietly at the back of the room, working tirelessly to ensure the meeting’s smooth and seamless operation. Those among us who have served on the Executive Council of the Society all know that it is Steve who has quietly and unerringly served as the custodian of the Society’s organizational culture. I am sure that all Past Presidents of the Society are familiar with my own feeling of indebtedness, the sense of how much easier the role was because Steve was always there at your side. Of course, even those who have only a passing acquaintanceship with Steve likely know that his character and demeanor are far more in keeping with that of a watchful shepherd than with that of a military commander like Lt. Colonel Moore; still, I will always think of Steve Strack’s commitment to SITAR in these metaphorical terms—as first to step onto the field, and last to step off.
Mark Fournier
Mark Fournier
In Star Wars, when Master Yoda introduced Luke Skywalker into the secrets of “THE FORCE,” he unknowingly characterized Steve as an invaluable resource for each SITAR president:
"...my ally is the Force (i.e. Steve). And a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us … and binds us. Luminous beings are we, ... .You must feel the Force (i.e. Steve) around you. Here, between you, me, the tree, the rock … everywhere!" (Lucas, 1977)
Thank you Steve, you are the FORCE!
Martin Grosse Holtforth
"...my ally is the Force (i.e. Steve). And a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us … and binds us. Luminous beings are we, ... .You must feel the Force (i.e. Steve) around you. Here, between you, me, the tree, the rock … everywhere!" (Lucas, 1977)
Thank you Steve, you are the FORCE!
Martin Grosse Holtforth
It would be hard to exaggerate Steve Strack's importance to SITAR--its inception, development, and certainly its survival. His contributions have been immeasurable, although that should not preclude a grateful recounting of some of his major accomplishments as Executive Officer.
Looking back, it is hard to believe that SITAR has been in existence for 15 years. SITAR was an idea, one that captured our imaginations. But it was Steve who transformed the idea into a enduring reality. His steady guidance as Executive Officer through the years ensured that we continued to meet on a yearly basis, pay our bills, balance our budgets, send out newsletters, stay in touch with members, attract new members, explore new venues, record our events, archive our history, and expand our influence through the scholarship that was cultivated in our meetings. He helped to create the welcoming atmosphere of SITAR, the sense of collegiality, informality and friendship that makes SITAR so special. He was also extraordinarily generous in everything he did--including the sly ways in which he would often pick up the tab for drinks or lunches. Perhaps the initial vision of an international organization with thousands of members was not realistic. But I am proud of what SITAR has become, and deeply indebted to Steve for helping us to achieve that.
Michael Gurtman
Looking back, it is hard to believe that SITAR has been in existence for 15 years. SITAR was an idea, one that captured our imaginations. But it was Steve who transformed the idea into a enduring reality. His steady guidance as Executive Officer through the years ensured that we continued to meet on a yearly basis, pay our bills, balance our budgets, send out newsletters, stay in touch with members, attract new members, explore new venues, record our events, archive our history, and expand our influence through the scholarship that was cultivated in our meetings. He helped to create the welcoming atmosphere of SITAR, the sense of collegiality, informality and friendship that makes SITAR so special. He was also extraordinarily generous in everything he did--including the sly ways in which he would often pick up the tab for drinks or lunches. Perhaps the initial vision of an international organization with thousands of members was not realistic. But I am proud of what SITAR has become, and deeply indebted to Steve for helping us to achieve that.
Michael Gurtman
Dear Steve,
Do you remember, in the good old days, the time you applied for SITAR’s tax exempt status? The IRS suspected us of fraud—of some perverse profit-making scam. But you magically dispelled their delusion before SITAR members even heard of the problem! And remember your lovely fund-raiser, selling SITAR mugs and T-shirts that you magically adorned with Steig cartoons (8 personality caricatures arranged in a circumplex)? I still have my mug, though my T-shirt took early retirement after 10 years of service during workouts.
I used to arrive at annual meetings early to offer a hand in setting up. No matter how early I arrived, though, you had magically already seen to every conceivable detail. Later, when we prepared our SITAR-dedicated handbook, your magic again did its stuff. Remember that author whose emails contained no salutation, closing, or punctuation? Just a string of unpunctuated words, all in small letters, devoid of any friendly or grammatically helpful interpersonal touches. Stunned by this “interpersonal deficit,” I was ready to replace that author. But your sane restraint and therapeutic gentility magically calmed my ruffled feathers, probably averting a nasty commotion.
Your many magical acts are replete with competence, wisdom, energy, and “interpersonality.” You’ve been a remarkable first pilot, Steve, and we all feel blessed and grateful. Many, many thanks!
Len Horowitz
Do you remember, in the good old days, the time you applied for SITAR’s tax exempt status? The IRS suspected us of fraud—of some perverse profit-making scam. But you magically dispelled their delusion before SITAR members even heard of the problem! And remember your lovely fund-raiser, selling SITAR mugs and T-shirts that you magically adorned with Steig cartoons (8 personality caricatures arranged in a circumplex)? I still have my mug, though my T-shirt took early retirement after 10 years of service during workouts.
I used to arrive at annual meetings early to offer a hand in setting up. No matter how early I arrived, though, you had magically already seen to every conceivable detail. Later, when we prepared our SITAR-dedicated handbook, your magic again did its stuff. Remember that author whose emails contained no salutation, closing, or punctuation? Just a string of unpunctuated words, all in small letters, devoid of any friendly or grammatically helpful interpersonal touches. Stunned by this “interpersonal deficit,” I was ready to replace that author. But your sane restraint and therapeutic gentility magically calmed my ruffled feathers, probably averting a nasty commotion.
Your many magical acts are replete with competence, wisdom, energy, and “interpersonality.” You’ve been a remarkable first pilot, Steve, and we all feel blessed and grateful. Many, many thanks!
Len Horowitz
Steve Strack fills a unique niche in our field, having remained fully and vitally engaged in both the academic and clinical worlds throughout his distinguished career. In SITAR Steve filled yet another vital role: Executive Officer. Steve jokingly referred to this role as uber-Dictator, but in reality he was SITAR’s uber-Butler: He efficiently and effectively managed our finances and legal paperwork, processed our memberships, coordinated our business and Executive Committee meetings, kept our Executive Committee members on task, and dispatched manifold potential problems as they arose. On a more personal note, Steve helped nurture my own professional development over the years by repeatedly and generously offering me sage advice, terrific opportunities, and kind encouragement. Finally, Steve is wonderful company. In my experience, a conversation with Steve is as likely to ascend into philosophical musings about the unity of all beings as it is to degenerate into sharing tales of youthful shenanigans (i.e., tales of the sort that I shall not share here); but whatever the topic, the mood remains warm and inviting. So, Steve, for everything you’ve given to the field, to this organization, and to me personally -- Thank You.
Ken Locke
Ken Locke
For Steve
I have worked with Steve Strack in many contexts in the organization, as a member of the Executive Committee, as a former president, as local arrangements organizer for three previous meetings, and as a contributor to the wonderful Handbook of Interpersonal Theory that he and Len Horowitz edited.
It is hard to overstate how crucial his support has been with respect to both details and broad currents of organizational events. He established the financial structure of SITAR, but even more importantly, he has kept us financially solvent with wise and prudent advice. Many is the time that he and I have struggled over setting the conference fee, and he has always been correct.
Steve also represents the historical memory of SITAR. This complements his rich and elaborated understanding of the history of interpersonal theory.
Finally, I would like to mention what everyone who has served on the Executive Committee knows. Steve is the real leader of SITAR who gets us to hold together and to move ahead; in other words, he has given us both the communal and the agentic leadership that our organization has needed in its founding and early years. Thank you Steve.
Debbie Moskowitz
I have worked with Steve Strack in many contexts in the organization, as a member of the Executive Committee, as a former president, as local arrangements organizer for three previous meetings, and as a contributor to the wonderful Handbook of Interpersonal Theory that he and Len Horowitz edited.
It is hard to overstate how crucial his support has been with respect to both details and broad currents of organizational events. He established the financial structure of SITAR, but even more importantly, he has kept us financially solvent with wise and prudent advice. Many is the time that he and I have struggled over setting the conference fee, and he has always been correct.
Steve also represents the historical memory of SITAR. This complements his rich and elaborated understanding of the history of interpersonal theory.
Finally, I would like to mention what everyone who has served on the Executive Committee knows. Steve is the real leader of SITAR who gets us to hold together and to move ahead; in other words, he has given us both the communal and the agentic leadership that our organization has needed in its founding and early years. Thank you Steve.
Debbie Moskowitz
I met Steve Strack so long ago that I can’t really remember the exact time, place, or circumstances. What I will always remember are the legacies Steve has created for interpersonal psychology, for SITAR, and for me personally. He has been so generative in his efforts that years ago I (privately) nicknamed him “Mr. Catalyst.” He has catalyzed symposia, books, scientific meetings, and psychological tests that promote interpersonal theory and research, the interface of personality and clinical psychology more broadly, and integrative thinking in psychological science broader still. Thank you for everything you’ve done to help SITAR coalesce and mature, now ready to evolve with a new generation of leaders and members. Thank you for including interpersonal theory in your books and panels and your invitations requesting I contribute. Thank you for co-editing the Handbook of Interpersonal Psychology. Thank you for your wisdom. Best wishes for a fulfilling future out in the SITAR pasture. Namasté.
Aaron L. Pincus
Aaron L. Pincus
It's a pleasure to have the opportunity to express my gratitude to Steve Strack for all of the outstanding ways in which he has contributed to SITAR. I met Steve at my first SITAR annual meeting in Vancouver in 2003. From the start, he impressed me as a warm and welcoming person who is highly effective at what he does. In a variety of contexts over the years, including my work with him when I edited the SITAR newsletter and when I served on the SITAR Executive Committee (EC), he has repeatedly shown himself to be an invaluable contributor to the success of the organization. Indeed, his role in SITAR has been so instrumental that several SITAR members have mentioned to me that they wonder how the organization will fare once he has stepped down. In addition to being a colleague of exceedingly high quality, Steve is a delightful person who takes the time to attend to some of the finer details that may otherwise be left unsaid or undone. I’m grateful for the many professional opportunities that he has presented to me. But more than that, I am grateful for his friendship, equanimity, sensitivity, and delightful sense of humor.
Pam Sadler
Pam Sadler
I have found SITAR to be a refreshing and stimulating conference and association. While we are but few, we are dedicated and creative lot. Central to this characteristic of SITAR are several key individuals, including but not limited to Jerry Wiggins and Len Horowitz. While the association owes much to these prominent scholars, I think we owe more to Steve Strack (not that Steve is not a prominent scholar—indeed he is extremely well regarded in this way within and without SITAR). My point is that Steve has contributed far more to us than simply being an outstanding scholar. He made us go. He served as the business manager when the organization started and continued in the role until now. One heck of a long time. This entails tons of necessary and unrecognized work. He took care of all finances and expenses. He was the one that made sure each convention went well and was organized. He established our procedures and structures. He continually solicited new members. He was the organizing force behind our organization. Indeed, Steve is the reason I joined the group. I have never been much of a joiner. He sought me out and very tactfully helped me see the value of SITAR and some of my obligation to the group as the disseminators of interpersonal research. He personally recruited many of us. I am convinced that had Steve not served as our business manager, we would not exist today as a functioning organization. So we need to acknowledge Steve’s huge contribution to our existence.
Beyond the organizational debt we owe Steve, I have been increasing aware of his emotional contributions to our organization. I enjoy our meetings as a time to share interpersonal theory and research as well as a time to catch up with each other. The tone is always one of relaxed interaction and camaraderie. Much of this comes from Steve who is always present and calmly keeps us on task even if that task is relaxation. He has a warmth that is infectious. I think that he has set the tone for our organization.
So Steve has been instrumental in our group, its initiation, and its survival. His tireless work has kept the organization going and his personality (which is interpersonal of course) has set the emotional tone of our group. Dare I say that he is the ultimate complementor.
Terry Tracey
Beyond the organizational debt we owe Steve, I have been increasing aware of his emotional contributions to our organization. I enjoy our meetings as a time to share interpersonal theory and research as well as a time to catch up with each other. The tone is always one of relaxed interaction and camaraderie. Much of this comes from Steve who is always present and calmly keeps us on task even if that task is relaxation. He has a warmth that is infectious. I think that he has set the tone for our organization.
So Steve has been instrumental in our group, its initiation, and its survival. His tireless work has kept the organization going and his personality (which is interpersonal of course) has set the emotional tone of our group. Dare I say that he is the ultimate complementor.
Terry Tracey