Seeking Pupin

To the community of Norfolk,

My name is Jelena Prodanović, and I am a mechatronics engineer from Serbia. Since my early childhood, Nikola Tesla and Michael Pupin have been more than scientists to me; they have been a lifelong inspiration. What started as a hobby—researching the history of science—has grown into a mission to preserve the “lost” heritage of these great pioneers.

This mission recently led me to a wonderful friendship with Mr. Barry Weber of the Norfolk Historical Society. Watching the 2024 exhibition in Norfolk celebrating Pupin’s 170th birthday via video call is a moment I will cherish forever.

Over the years, I have published historical research on Pupin and discovered “lost” 1928 film footage of him. I organized an annual Pupin Marathon at Lake Bled, Slovenia—a place Pupin saved during the 1919 Paris Peace Conference. I’ve created a stop-motion cartoon and written a book about his life. I also frequently give radio and television interviews in Serbia and Slovenia, sharing insights into Pupin’s life and scientific achievements.

In 2025, I was humbled to receive the Pupin Medal for these contributions. However, my greatest wish remains unfulfilled: to hear his voice. I am searching for three specific recordings: “The Pioneering Professors” (1928), a film recorded by GE but never published; a WOR AM radio interview (Feb 6, 1924) by a Mr. Bridges; and a BBC Radio lecture (1931) from the “Science and Religion” symposium.
If anyone in the Norfolk community has any leads, family stories or archival access that could help me find these recordings, it would mean the world to me and to the history of science.

— With gratitude,
Jelena Prodanović
(jelena.n.prodanovic@gmail.com)

Cheers to Donors

THANK YOU to everyone who donated to the Northwestern Cheer Team during our campaign for new mats. It means so much to me and all of the athletes!

—Jenna Brown