Fall Fundraiser 2024: A Conversation with Dr. Dieter Gruen, Manhattan Project Scientist
September 14, 2024
We had a wonderful time at our 2024 Fall Fundraiser, A Conversation with Dr. Dieter Gruen. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success, especially Dr. Gruen for sharing his story, knowledge and passion—along with offering his time and talents—to once again support the library we all love. We are so grateful for all the attendees and donors helping us fund #ExtraordinaryGifts for DGPL.
The Downers Grove Public Library Foundation invites you to an afternoon of conversation with the esteemed Dr. Dieter Gruen, a Downers Grove resident, famed Manhattan Project scientist, and longtime Friends of the Library President.
Born in Germany in 1922, Dr. Gruen immigrated to the U.S. from Nazi Germany at 14 years old, later going on to earn degrees in chemistry and physics from Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. He was a member of the Manhattan Project team at the Oak Ridge site and worked at Argonne National Laboratory for over 60 years. In 2021, he was nominated for the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest civilian honor. Dr. Gruen holds over 60 patents and is currently working on improving solar technology.
Join the foundation for an afternoon of history with this fascinating individual. Local journalist Bob Rakow will emcee the event with Downers Grove Public Library Foundation director Anne Wick moderating.
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Time: 2:00pm
Location: The Avery Coonley School Auditorium (1400 Maple Avenue)
This is a ticketed event. Tickets are no longer available.
Further Reading
Whether you are interested in learning more about the Manhattan Project, solar energy, or scientists who fled Germany, the Downers Grove Public Library staff has you covered with this list of book recommendations.
Previous Fall Fundraisers
Celebrate the Freedom to Read: A Banned Books Masquerade (2023)