The Njegoš Endowment for Serbian Language and Culture at the Harriman Institute, Columbia University, will host a fundraising event to commemorate the centennial of the Pulitzer Prize awarded to the the celebrated Serbian-American scientist, Michael Idvorsky Pupin, received for his autobiography From Immigrant to Inventor.
Michael (Mihajlo) Pupin was a physicist, inventor, and educator, who made significant contributions to the fields of telecommunications and electrical engineering. His invention of the Pupin coil, which extended the range of long-distance telephone communication, revolutionized the industry and laid the groundwork for modern telecommunications. Beyond his technical achievements, Pupin was a prolific author and advocate for education, science, and the immigrant experience. His prize-winning autobiography, From Immigrant to Inventor, remains a powerful testament to the immigrant journey, embodying the American Dream and inspiring generations of innovators and scholars.
The event will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, in 1501 International Affairs Building, where we expect to host 100 guests, including potential donors to the Njegoš Endowment for Serbian Language and Culture. The event will include a reception for all guests who RSVP.
The program will feature the following speakers:
- Professor Valentina Izmirlieva, Director of the Harriman Institute
- Professor Dmitri Basov, Chair of the Department of Physics
- Professor Gordana Vunjak-Novaković, University and Mikati Foundation Professor of Biomedical Engineering
- Joanna Rios, Record Manager, Columbia University Librarires
The event will also include a screening of a short film about Pupin, followed by awarding certificates of appreciation to the participants and representatives of the Pulitzer Foundation.
The event is co-sponsored by the Department of Physics at Columbia University.