In memory: Djibril Diol, 1990-2020

Tribute to an outstanding engineering graduate

Djibril Diol immigrated to the United States from Senegal to pursue a college education, and he achieved his goal at Colorado State University in December 2018, when he was recognized as an outstanding graduate of Walter Scott. , Jr. College of Engineering.

With his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Diol started working for Kiewit Corp. and brought his wife and granddaughter from West Africa to join him at their new home in northeast Denver.

A few months later, in August 2020, the family perished in a horrific nighttime fire. Those who died were Diol, 29; his wife, Adja Diol, 23; their daughter Khadija, 2 years old; his sister, Hassan Diol, 25; and her baby, Hawa Baye.

The Senegalese community of Denver and those who knew Diol on campus mourned the tragic losses.

The authorities have mounted a complex multi-agency investigation. In January, three teenagers were arrested on suspicion of arson and murder; their court cases are ongoing in Denver.

Friends of Diol, known as Jibby, said he was dedicated to his family and to his new career in civil engineering. He enthusiastically sent videos to his wife before he arrived in Denver.

Diol worked as a field engineer in Kiewit on an Interstate 70 project. He had considered pursuing higher education and dreamed of one day using his engineering knowledge to improve infrastructure in rural Senegal. While attending CSU, Diol did a summer internship for Larimer County, inspecting unpaved roads and sidewalks.

“He was just a great person,” said Ousman Ba, a CSU alumnus in international studies who was a close friend of Diol’s while on campus. “He was a loving, cheerful person who just enjoyed life and was a very good friend, leader, brother.”

Diol was a first generation student and was active on campus, particularly with the CSU section of the National Society of Black Engineers. He attended the company’s national convention in his senior year representing the state of Colorado and meeting other engineers.

When he was named an outstanding graduate in December 2018, about two years before his death, Diol said he was motivated to contribute to his family and the world.

“I always want to make an impact wherever I go,” he said at the time. “Overall, patience and persistence will make good things happen.”