A gift of honor and support for autism research

Robert Fisher, D.D.S., ’76, ’80D (Pdc), understands the challenges that families can face in raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dr. Fisher and his wife, Denise, are parents to three children, including their middle son, Andrew, who was diagnosed with autism just over the age of two. Now an adult, Andrew received specialized care throughout his childhood. Dr. Fisher recently learned about the neuroscience and autism/IDD research efforts led by John Foxe, Ph.D., director of the Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience. As members of the George Eastman Circle, the University’s leadership annual giving society, the Fishers had already committed to a five-year pledge to support Del Monte, but were eager to more directly support this research, and link Andrew’s name with something positive and meaningful for the autistic community. “I chose to attend the University because of its strength in the sciences,” says Dr. Fisher. “Years later, when I learned our interests aligned in autism research, I was willing to do anything to help Dr. Foxe and his team remain top-tier.” When Andrew was a young adult, the Fishers purchased a home for him to live in semi-independently. Rather than deeding the home to family members after Andrew passes away, the Fishers decided to set up a bequest intention through their estate plans to donate the home to the University. The proceeds from the sale of the home will establish an endowed fund in Andrew’s name, supporting autism and IDD research in perpetuity and creating a special legacy for the Fisher family. “This was a unique opportunity to not only support the University, but honor my son,” says Dr. Fisher. “It’s gratifying to know that our gift will advance research that will help more families around the world.”