In Memoriam: Billy Gallagher
Faculty and staff from across campus are mourning the loss of CPP’s field representative for the faculty union, Billy Gallagher. Billy died on July 23 following a tragic accident near the CSU Chancellor’s office two days earlier.
Raised in San Francisco and educated at UC Berkeley, Billy worked as a union organizer for the California Nurses Association for many years before coming to work for the California Faculty Association (CFA) in 2022. Always driven to prioritize the needs of others, his work at CPP ranged from organizing and strategizing on behalf of all faculty to mentoring and advocating for individual faculty. During his time at Cal Poly Pomona, CPP’s chapter of the CFA became so vibrant and active that this campus was chosen to lead the CSU’s “rolling strike” in late 2023, which was followed by the systemwide faculty strike early in 2024.
Many faculty remember Billy first and foremost for his kind and energetic personality.
“He had a powerful presence — one that was welcoming, kind, and always fighting for justice,” said Assistant Professor Michelle Soto-Peña from the Department of Early Childhood Studies.
“A completely irreplaceable gem of a human being,” added Assistant Professor Rachael Hill from the Department of History.
It was that combination of kindness and commitment that stands out most to those who knew him. Civil Engineering Professor Ghada Gad said, “Billy signified the meaning of CFA to me and many; one of the kindest hearts ever in such a tough world.”
Assistant Professor Coral Wheeler, from the Department of Physics and Astronomy, reflected on Billy’s passion and personality.
“Billy’s enthusiasm for justice and his exceptionally joyful presence will never be matched,” Wheeler said. “This is an incredible loss to all who knew him and to the labor movement.”
Colleagues also remarked upon Billy’s skill in recognizing potential in others and in mentoring.
Assistant Professor Gyasmine George-Williams, from the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, noted that it was Billy who encouraged her to become more involved with the CFA’s chapter leadership, adding “he was such an incredible mentor and champion for the people.”
His presence will be missed most by those who work the hardest in the labor movement on behalf of all faculty. Psychology Professor Bonnie Thorne, who serves as the CFA chapter president at CPP, noted Billy’s compassion, humor, and fierce advocacy for faculty, adding “in the almost five years that he worked on our campus, I talked to him almost every day,” Thorne said. “I feel like I have lost a family member.”
An on-campus memorial for Billy Gallagher will be held Aug. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the BSC, Ursa Major.