Boulder City inventor and industrialist Paul Fisher has been awarded the Desert Research Institute's President's Medal by DRI President Stephen G. Wells. Wells said the award is the institute's highest non-scientific honor and recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to the institute or render exceptional service.
Wells cited Fisher's long-time commitment to education, particularly in the effort to interest students in aerospace careers, and his support for the development of a strong technology sector in Nevada's economy. Wells said for nearly half a century Fisher has supported protection of the environment as essential for preserving world peace.
"Paul Fisher is tireless in his efforts to excite young people in math and science to prepare them for careers in support of America's space exploration program," Wells said. "He continually points to the many unexpected benefits that have resulted from success in overcoming scientific and engineering obstacles to space exploration."
A friend of many of America's pioneering astronauts, Fisher has brought them to southern Nevada to visit area classrooms to inspire Nevada students with dreams of careers in space-related fields, Wells said. Fisher invented the Fisher Space Pen carried on missions by all U.S. astronauts and Russian cosmonauts and produces his pens at his plant in Boulder City.