Prof. Richard Leo
Before Christopher Nolan, Cillian Murphy, and Matt Damon, there was Richard Leo.
Long before “Oppenheimer” hit theaters this summer, Leo, a retired professor of Physics at Grove City College, dramatized the story of the atomic bomb with a one man show in which he portrays the scientist and the general behind the Manhattan Project.
Leo has been presenting “The Story behind the Manhattan Project: a First Person Dramatization“ for physics students and the public for decades. Channeling Robert Oppenheimer and Gen. Lesley Groves – portrayed in Nolan’s film by Murphy and Damon – Leo discusses the significance and history of the unprecedented wartime effort.
The film’s success inspired Leo to revive his presentation for a special event at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23 in Sticht Lecture Hall in the Staley Hall of Arts and Letters on campus. It is sponsored by the Grove City College Physics Club.
Physics Club advisor and physics professor Dr. DJ Wagner said Leo, the 2004 Professor of the Year, embodies the key characters. “Don’t miss this chance to hear a GCC icon speak about this historic enterprise,” she said.
The event is free and open to the public. It will be livestreamed at gcc.edu/livestream.