Michael was a wonderful person and professional who cared deeply about the development of gifted learners. He was a friend to me for many years, providing professional opportunities to work with his center in Calgary and to collaborate on curriculum development work with teachers in the area. We often chatted at NAGC and AERA about the field and where it was headed. He had an intellectual power that allowed him to broach new ideas for research and suggest methodological approaches to pursue them. For example, he was the first person to discuss the fact that no models in gifted education have been rigorously tested and to suggest what it would take to make that happen. He was always honest in his assessment of work, especially the methodological aspects. His critiques at AERA were a pleasure to behold! We shared a common love and respect for Julian Stanley and his efforts to systematize talent identification and development across this country and internationally. I remember how Michael was helpful in the details of Julian’s service at NAGC Louisville and his lovely and thoughtful tribute. I thought his contributions (with Sal) to the self concept and social development literature in gifted education were quite unique and insightful and likely to continue to strengthen over time. I will always remember his love for Belvedere vodka, for data, and for attending Mass in each new city he visited. You will be missed, my friend—ave atque vale.

Joyce VanTassel-Baska