Engineer in Turkey builds environmentally-friendly wastewater systems for third world
by Tim Lindemuth
Rivers in many countries of the world are polluted from runoff of residential waste. Hurriyet Aydogan '84, '86 of Istanbul strives to improve the rural environment of his native Turkey by manufacturing and installing inexpensive residential sewage treatment systems.
"I want to use my engineering degrees from K-State to improve the environment and to benefit future generations in Turkey," said Aydogan, who earned his bachelor's and master's in mechanical and industrial engineering.
After a career in marketing and management, the desire to use his engineer training prompted Aydogan to create his own company, PlanetTEK, three years ago.
One septic system for treating sewage from 10 homes costs $10,000 and for 60 homes the system is $20,000. That brings the cost to between $300 and $400 a family.
"The sewage system's cost to many homeowners in developing nations is well within their means," he said.
The treated wastewater from the system can be recycled to water lawns and gardens.
As a K-State student, Aydogan was as familiar a face in engineering's Seaton and Durland Halls as he was around the Kansas State Collegian newsroom in Kedzie Hall. An avid photographer, he served all of his undergraduate years as a news photographer.
"Hurriyet and his camera. They were always together. He even used his camera as part of a Halloween costume at one KSU International Club costume party," said Donna Davis, senior international student adviser. "He came in a colorful shirt, Bermuda shorts and a hat along with his camera over his shoulder. I asked him what his costume was supposed to be, and he said 'An American tourist.'"
Aydogan recalled fondly the time he covered the Landon Lecture of President Ronald Reagan in Ahearn Field House. His eye for news has never left. From his home overlooking Istanbul, he watched the distant fire of the British consulate and HSBC Bank when a 2003 al-Qaida suicide bomber killed and injured many Turkish people.
"My camera was at my office so I grabbed a digital camcorder. The main Turkish television network not only used my report," he said, "they shared the footage worldwide."
Aydogan remains connected to K-State, helping exchange students who arrive from Kansas. He also has greeted alumni traveling to Turkey, including Nelson Galle '58, '64 and Marilyn Pence Galle '57 of Manhattan, Kan.
"He and his wife prepared us a wonderful dinner at their home," Nelson said. "We talked until 1:30 a.m., and he personally drove us back to the hotel."