Nihat M. Bilgutay (March 31, 1952 - July 1, 2008)

Nihat M. Bilgutay was born on 31 March 1952 in Turkey. He received his academic training at Bradley University (BSEE 1973) and Purdue University (MSEE 1975, PhD 1981). His thesis advisor at Purdue was Vernon L. Newhouse. Between his graduation from Purdue and his appointment as ECE Department Head at Drexel Dr. Bilgutay focused on studying ultrasonic nondestructive testing and imaging, and digital signal processing. He developed an international reputation in the field of ultrasonics, especially Split Spectrum techniques, and was well known for his contributions to engineering education. An IEEE Fellow and a recipient of an IEEE Third Millennium Medal, Dr. Bilgutay was advisor to seven doctoral and post doctoral students, and to fifteen students who received the Master of Science degree under his guidance.

Dr. Bilgutay came to Drexel in 1982 as a Drexel Fellow, and was made Full Professor in 1992. He served Drexel as the Vernon L. Newhouse Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Research (1990-1995), leader of the Gateway Engineering Education Coalition, and, most notably, ECE Department Head (1995-2006). During his tenure as Department Head, the ECE Department saw an unprecedented growth in external funding for research, and significant and successful hiring of many young faculty members. Under his leadership, the Department had also made the important transition from Commonwealth Hall to its current home in the Edmund D. Bossone Research Enterprise Center.

Among his colleagues and friends, Dr. Bilgutay was known as a sharp and purposeful person, energetic, perceptive, and passionate. He was able to bring together individuals from different backgrounds and experiences, and to foster harmony and cooperation. He was methodical and stable, persistent and focused. His dedication to Drexel University and to the Department was legendary -- students, members of the staff and the faculty found him extraordinarily responsive to their needs. He would go to any length to advance the department's cause and to improve its operations, physical plant, reputation and reach. He was a permanent feature in the ECE office -- during and after normal working hours and on numerous evenings and weekends.

During the last two years, as debilitating illness has progressively limited his faculties, Dr. Bilgutay has waged the most courageous and forceful effort to continue to work, and to be as productive and participatory in Drexel affairs as was humanly possible. This heroic, tragic and awe-inspiring struggle has now come to an end.

Our deep condolences go to Dr. Bilgutay's wife Kathy and his three children Canan Ayse, Aylin Nur, and Deniz O. Bilgutay. We hope that in time they will be able to recover from this great loss. Some solace can perhaps be found in the remarkable impact of Dr. Bilgutay's long term activities. The fruits of his good deeds will continue to improve our lives and the lives of many others who were fortunate enough to know him and to benefit from his vision, labor and unbounded dedication.

Posted on July 1, 2008.