On July 10, 2026, Dr. Frank Nack passed away. He was a professor at the University of Amsterdam’s Informatics Institute. More so, he was a dear friend and mentor to me. I came to know Frank when I was a newly minted PH.D. publishing in ACM Multimedia’s Interactive Arts track. Part of Frank’s research focused on communication, creativity, and interactive narratives which were all themes in my research at the time. I still remember the thoughtful conversations and helpful guiding feedback he provided me when we first met.

Over the years, as I started publishing more in this area, Frank was always there to support me and to help me figure out the research landscape: from publishing scientific articles to running workshops. He helped guide me into the role of chairing that track at ACM Multimedia and eventually my role in running the technical program for the entire conference. He was always there to offer support, feedback, and a friendly presence.

Last month in Amsterdam, I got the chance to reconnect with him and catch up. On my flight home, I kept thinking about how he would always inspire me and be there to help me to take on the arduous task of supporting the scientific endeavors which touched into interactive arts. He was a mentor who was there because he cared about people and the research and not because he had something to gain. Thanks Frank for being just that! Many of us will strive to match your example.