In the last twenty years extensive research has been devoted to a better understanding of the
stable and other closely related infinitely divisible mod els. Stamatis Cambanis a
distinguished educator and researcher played a special leadership role in the development of
these research efforts particu larly related to stable processes from the early seventies
until his untimely death in April '95. This commemorative volume consists of a collection of
research articles devoted to reviewing the state of the art of this and other rapidly
developing research and to explore new directions of research in these fields. The volume is a
tribute to the Life and Work of Stamatis by his students friends and colleagues whose
personal and professional lives he has deeply touched through his generous insights and
dedication to his profession. Before the idea of this volume was conceived two conferences
were held in the memory of Stamatis. The first was organized by the University of Athens and
the Athens University of Economics and was held in Athens during December 18-19 1995. The
second was a significant part of a Spe cial IMS meeting held at the campus of the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill during October 17-19 1996. It is the selfless effort of sev eral
people that brought about these conferences. We believe that this is an appropriate place to
acknowledge their effort and on behalf of all the participants we extend sincere thanks to
all these persons.
