IN MEMORIAM
With great sadness, we share that Dr. Faysal Kolkailah, professor at Cal Poly for the past 39 years, passed away on July 4, 2023. He is survived by his loving wife Ginny Browne; three daughters Noha, Nahlah and Naiyerah; and five grandchildren Tasneem, Selsabeel, Jennah, Yunus and Layla. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Kolkailah; sons-in-law, Dr. Eltahry, Elghandour and Salem; and, dedicated mother of his daughters, Dr. Rasha Al-Disuqi.
Dr. Kolkailah was born in 1947 in Tanta, Egypt. He was the son of university professor and prolific author, Abdou Kolkailah, and his beloved mother, Um Kalthoum. He was also the eldest of four brothers, all of whom became medical doctors. He received his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Cairo University and served as Ground Engineer in Egypt Air before completing his M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio in 1980. He then received his Ph.D. in Aeronautical Engineering from Louisiana State University and moved to San Luis Obispo in 1984, when he began teaching at Cal Poly State University.
At Cal Poly, he developed, established and taught nine graduate and undergraduate aerospace laboratories in the areas of composite analysis and design, structure analysis, structural dynamics, fatigue and fracture mechanics, aerospace engineering, numerical analysis, experimental analysis and aeroelasticity to serve all aircraft and spacecraft structure courses. He founded and developed a joint Postdoctoral and Doctoral Research Program with four different universities in Egypt. He also advised over 100 master’s degree theses. His research interests were:
- Advanced Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics
- Advanced Composite Analysis and Design
- Advanced Airworthiness and Aeroelasticity
- Advanced Structural Design
- Experimental and Numerical Methods
Dr. Kolkailah was a passionate educator and engaging storyteller who inspired many children, students and community members through his captivating teaching style and mentorship. When Dr. Kolkailah moved to SLO, he cofounded the Muslim community and spearheaded numerous faith-based and interfaith initiatives. He delivered memorable Friday sermons at the local mosque and served as an advisor for Cal Poly’s Muslim Student Association for many years.
Aside from his career and leadership roles, he was an endlessly loving and generous family man who had a soft heart for supporting orphans, both abroad and locally. He also greatly enjoyed scenic photography and captured beautiful photos during his extensive travels worldwide. His family has countless memories of waking up to his enthusiastic excitement to catch his favorite Egyptian team, Al-Ahly’s, soccer matches. Most recently, one of his newfound joys included watching the Turkish TV series Ertuğrul Osman with great dedication. He loved to garden and planted jasmine, hybrid fruit and citrus trees. He was particularly fond of fragrant roses, picking uniquely colored ones and handing them to his family as a symbol of his love. He was also very affectionate towards family pets, as they reminded him of his simple childhood.
His family remembers him as having the biggest heart—always concerned, protective and selflessly putting others before himself. He imparted wisdom, shared life lessons and touched the lives of many. His family and loved ones are committed to honoring his legacy.
