Boston, November 10, 2006 – Wentworth Institute of Technology hosted an Academic Symposium on to recognize the 150th anniversary of the birth of Nikola Tesla, a prominent Serbian-American scientist who is credited with ushering in the age of electrical powers by his many inventions and over 700 patents that helped revolutionalize communications. Over 150 attendees participated in this deserving celebration of intellectual stimulation and culture. The most distinguished guest was His Excellency Ivan Vujacic, Ambassador of Serbia to the United States, who sponsored and played an instrumental role in the organization of the event. In the true spirit of Tesla, who believed that science and engineering should be used for the benefit of humankind, the profits from this event will go to the benefit of Wentworth students through academic scholarships.
 The Symposium included a unique student competition, which showcased projects inspired by Nikola Tesla’s contributions to engineering, a spectacular art display and auction by prominent Serbian artist Dejan Jovanovic, and traditional Serbian dancing performed by "Gracanica," an award winning Serbian Dance Group. Furthermore, the culminating event of the evening was a banquet that featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Vladimir Visnjic, an international expert on Nikola Tesla’s work. In addition, Natalie Jacobsen, Channel 5 news anchor and Serbian American, presided over the evening’s activities as mistress of ceremonies.
 "The Nikola Tesla celebration brought together a wide array of students, dignitaries, artists, academics, trustees, professionals, leading executives, and friends to share in the enthusiasm of a true pioneer in the field of engineering," said Dr. Zorica Pantic, President of Wentworth. "I continue to be impressed with our students’ academic and presentation skills; they made a great case for our support and funding of future scholarships."
The winning student project, entitled "Basic System of Radio," was presented by Joseph Manzi and Patrick Thomas, both students in the Electronics and Mechanical Department. Other projects that were presented as part of the competition included the topics of bladeless steam turbine and spiral flow principle, Tesla coils, polyphase alternating current systems, AC inductions motors, and terrestrial stationary waves. |
