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Unveiling and Dedication of Nikola Tesla Sculpture on Campus

On December 12, Salt Lake Community College unveiled and dedicated a new statue on campus of the renowned inventor, Nikola Tesla. The statue, crafted by local artist Stan Watts and Russian sculptor Andrey Sledkov, is the first of many by the artists that will be placed throughout the United States and Europe, and the only one to be placed at a college institution. 

“In celebration of Tesla's vision and influence on today's technology, we thought it was so important that it be right at the entrance of our science, math and engineering building to help our students see what's possible in the world of engineering,” said President Deneece Huftalin during the unveiling. 

The new Nikola Tesla statue displayed at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus.

Positioned at the west entrance of the Science & Industry (SI) Building at Taylorsville Redwood Campus, the statue greets students as they enter the building with a contemplative Nikola Tesla sitting in a chair and reading a book entitled, A theory of natural philosophy by Roger Joseph Boscovich, a scientist and philosopher. This statue serves as a reminder of the impact of Tesla's contributions to science, technology, and humanity. 

The purpose behind the installation of this monument at the College is to celebrate this electrical engineer and inventor who revolutionized modern science with his groundbreaking inventions and theories, including alternating current (AC) electrical systems, the Tesla coil, and wireless communication. Technologies today that are in part due to his work include the remote control, neon and fluorescent lights, computers, smartphones, laser beams, x-rays, and robotics.

Nikola Lonchar, Stan Watts, Jerry Taylor, President Deneece Huftalin, and James Walton cutting the ribbon for the new Nikola Tesla statue at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus.

The dedication ceremony included a short introduction by Nikola Lonchar, president and founder of the Nikola Tesla Science Foundation based in Philadelphia, who provided insight into the inventor's life and the profound impact of his inventions. For the past four years, they have hosted lectures, conferences and social events, making them the most active Tesla-related group in the world.    

Nikola Lonchar, who was named after Nikola Tesla, has made it his mission to help young people learn about the scientist who he was named after. “I was trying to figure out what we can do, how we can promote Tesla, how to bring Tesla into the American school system,” said Nikola, adding that young people know much more about the car Tesla than the company’s namesake, Nikola Tesla. He hopes to change this by starting clubs that honor Tesla’s legacy. 

Stan Watts, Jerry Taylor, and President Deneece Huftalin.

The statue was made possible through the generosity of alumnus Jerry Taylor. Jerry has been involved with SLCC for over six decades, most recently through the Jerry Taylor Endowed Scholarship, which over the years has benefited countless students. 

“I knew very little about Mr. Tesla and the more I found out the more excited I got because I was in the electrical industry all my career. And when I found out what he did and what he accomplished, I just got more excited,” said Jerry, who started Taylor Electric company here in Utah. He hopes that this statue will inspire students to learn more about Nikola Tesla.  

Bob Whittaker, executive director of Development, and James Walton, the College’s Gallery and Art Collection specialist worked together with Development and the Art Committee to bring this piece to the College’s ever-growing permanent art collection. 

“I think it's in a great location here, where all our science students are going to walk past it every day,” said James. “I hope that this will encourage people to learn more about Tesla and be an impetus for people to get curious about his legacy and learn more about the man.” 

Artist Stan Watts standing by his sculpture of Nikola Tesla.




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