UT Tyler Honors Patriots Of The Year At President’s Dinner
April 5, 2001
Dr. and Mrs. Ben R. and Maytee Fisch were honored as The University of Texas at Tyler's 2001 Patriots of the Year on Thursday, President Rodney H. Mabry announced.
The Patriot of the Year Award is given to an individual or individuals that have made enduring contributions to the advancement of the university and the community.
Dr. and Mrs. Fisch were selected in recognition of their strong commitment to medicine and to education, exemplified by their outstanding generosity. The award was presented by President Mabry.
"This quiet, unassuming husband and wife team is as good, honest and nice as anyone who has walked the sands of East Texas. They make a difference in the lives of others, simply by being role models of how to have and uphold honest values and basic goodness, not to mention their philanthropy behind the scenes," Mabry said.
Dr. and Mrs. Fisch truly deserve the highest honor UT Tyler can bestow on its alumni and friends, Mabry added.
"We feel honored, but very humble because there are many others that we feel are more deserving than we," Dr. Fisch said.
Graduates of the School of Pharmacy at The University of Texas at Austin, both Dr. and Mrs. Fisch hold bachelor of science degrees in pharmacy. Dr. Fisch received his medical degree from Southwestern Medical School in 1949, served as a general practitioner until 1958 and attended Duke University Medical School from 1959-60, where he received his allergy training. He opened a private practice in Tyler, specializing in allergies, in 1960.
During his practice, Dr. Fisch worked successfully with other doctors nationally to set up the American Board of Allergists and Immunology, a separate medical board for allergists. He also served as president of the Southwest Region of the American Association of Clinical Immunology Allergists (AA CIA).
The Fisches, who credit Tyler resident Dr. Jim Vaughn for being instrumental in bringing them to Tyler, have been extensively involved in volunteer work in the community, established friendships, raised their family and consistently created a blueprint for a lifetime of contributions to worthy pursuits, utilizing both their time and their resources.
Mrs. Fisch worked in the Parent-Teacher Association and served as President of the Sisterhood of Congregation Beth El where she taught Sunday school.
Before moving to Tyler, she was a member of the Optimisses Club of Gainesville where she began a thrift shop to clothe the indigent, worked on numerous fund-raising drives and served as president of the Medical Auxiliary.
Dr. Fisch has served as President of Congregation Beth El where he also taught Sunday school. He also served as president of Southwestern Medical School Alumni Association.
While employed as a health officer for Cooke County, he volunteered as a probation officer to assist in the rehabilitation of young offenders.
"Because of his work, many young people were counseled at home and avoided time in the Gatesville Prison," Mabry said.
Married for 56 years, the Fisches have two children, Steve and Martee, and five grandchildren.
"Ben fondly recalls his and Maytee's 50th wedding anniversary.
Understandably, he wanted to present her with a gift befitting this wonderful and memorable occasion. Maytee thought about it, not very long, and then told Ben that nothing would please her more than giving a scholarship to The University of Texas at Tyler in celebration of 50 years of marriage. Relating the story, Ben shared, 'this kind of decision and thinking is so very typical of Maytee'," Mabry said.
UT Tyler has benefited from the Fisches' generosity through their major gifts, sponsorship of the Distinguished Lecture Series and service on the U.T. Tyler Development Board and the U.T. Tyler Foundation. Dr. Fisch is a member of the R. Don Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center Circle of Friends, Friends of the Arts, Development Board, UT Foundation Board and the President's Associates.
"Maytee and Ben Fisch do not seek recognition for their good works. But, it is important to us and to their friends that we publicly say 'thank you' for giving to our buildings, the student scholarships and numerous sponsorships. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and giving us your leadership. UT Tyler, its students, the university community and its friends have all reaped the benefits of your graciousness and generosity," Mabry added.
