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from the issue of November 18, 2004
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Obituary: Samy Elias
BY CONSTANCE WALTER, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
In the world of engineering, Samy Elias was a pioneer. He designed and implemented the first personal rapid transit system, or PRT, in the world in 1971 at West Virginia University. In his 16 years at UNL, he increased research funding in the College of Engineering and Technology by more than 500 percent.
This pioneer of engineering died Nov. 13 at age 74.
"Dr. Elias' work on the PRT in Morgantown, Va., was well-known to anyone who worked in transportation-related fields of engineering," said David Allen, dean of the UNL college. "The importance of his contributions to the college cannot be overstated."
Elias worked with several college faculty members on track stability research and transient risks factors among railroad engineers and helped secure more than $1 million in funding from the Federal Railroad Administration.
"He was the master at setting up the FRA grant for this project," said Shane Farritor, associate professor of mechanical engineering. "He was a real mentor."
Also while at WVU, Elias established an industrial engineering unit while director of transit engineering and safety for the Washington Metropolitan Area and had been involved in ground-breaking research in railway safety.
Elias' work garnered him much recognition. Earlier this year, WVU renamed the PRT engineering station after him. He received the first Henry Gantt Medallion Award from the Institute of Industrial Engineers for his design of the PRT and the first Tibbetts Award from the Small Business Administration's innovative research program.
But most people who worked with him remember his willingness to help, advise and just listen.
"Dr. Elias was a good friend," said Maher Tadros, professor of civil engineering. "I have always respected him and what he stood for. He was a very kind and generous man and would help anyone."
Elias is survived by his wife, Janice, three daughters, eight grandchildren, one brother and three sisters. Services are Nov. 19 in Fairfax, Va. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Samy Elias Scholarship Fund, Department of Engineering, West Virginia University Foundation, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, W.Va., 26507-1650.
GO TO: ISSUE OF NOVEMBER 18
NEWS HEADLINES FOR NOVEMBER 18
Initiative to boost teaching, learning
Computer system helps keep Memorial Stadium safe
Professor examines how chemistry has changed through movies
A piece of University history
Day to focus on computer security
Museum hopes 'Lucky Foot' becomes football tradition
Obituary: Samy Elias
Obituary: Stanley Vandersall
Verbatim: Forum to discuss core values, strategic planning is Dec. 2
731903S33941X
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