A dear and respected friend of IIIT, an impeccable gentleman, and a top-notch scholar, Professor Louis Cantori passed away earlier this week at his home, surrounded by his wife of 50 years, Joan Cantori, and their sons and daughter. Professor Cantori's last academic appointment was as professor of political science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Professor Cantori fought courageously against serious illness during the last four years of his life. Late last year he delivered a synopsis of his then-ongoing work on Islam and conservatism at a seminar at IIIT. Given the choice of being on the phone or attending in person, he chose to drive a long distance to attend in person. He was a frequent presence at IIIT events and ...