Remembering Steve
Steve Lagakos played a central leadership role in our Department, in the School, and among the international community of quantitative biomedical researchers. Steve’s qualities of commitment, passion, intellectual brilliance, and personal generosity had a direct personal impact on our lives; and his contributions to biostatistics and to AIDS research were fundamental. He was all that a faculty member, researcher, and mentor could be; we all feel fortunate to have known him.

(written by Victor DeGruttola, Sc.D. 1986)
Steve was simply an extraordinary person. I thought the world of him when I was his student and those feelings haven't changed in the ten years since. He was a rare combination of brilliance, vision, perception, and kindness. I hope he knew what an important role model he was to me, not just for being a good statistician, but also for how to interact with others, whether they be students, colleagues, or anyone else, in a way that inspires and empowers them. Steve had an amazing and unforgettable presence, but what touched me the most about him was his tender heart. I think that is why he was able to connect so well with others and what gave him his remarkable ability for putting people at ease and making them feel special. One of my favorite memories is when the two of us went to a Bruins hockey game together. Steve was so excited to go and we had a wonderful time just talking and enjoying the game. By the end he was even willing to cheer for the visiting team because he knew they were my favorite team. Steve will always be one of the most important people in my life. He was more than a mentor, he was also a beloved friend and I will miss him dearly.

(written by Debbie Cheng, Sc.D. 1999)

Memorial Page (please add your own memories there)

Donation for Lagakos Family Fund (in the section about "Gift Information" please choose "Other - Please specify". In the box below marked "Other designation or special instructions regarding gift", please type "Lagakos Family Fund". Please remember, if sending a check directly, make the check payable to "Harvard School of Public Health."
Background photograph of the home village in Greece of the Lagakos family (photo taken by Stephen Lagakos)