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Emil C. Fischer was the guiding force behind the establishment of the Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning, and Design.

Born in New Jersey in 1907, Fischer received his professional education at Columbia University, New York City. During his early professional career, he associated with Boris Aronson in the design of stage sets for the New York theater and with Cecil Clair Briggs--Rome Scholar, Architect-Artist, and Head of the Department of Architecture, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY. These associations stimulated his interest in both sketching and teaching.

From 1934 to 1955, Fischer taught at Cornell University, the University of Michigan, and Ohio State University. He also maintained a professional practice as an architect and architectural delineator.

Fischer came to Kansas in 1955 to become Head of the Department of Architecture and Allied Arts at Kansas State University. During the next several years, he moderated discussions leading to the development of an interdisciplinary academic structure to house the curriculums of architecture, landscape architecture, architectural structures, interior architecture, and planning. In 1964, Fischer was appointed Dean of the newborn College of Architecture and Design, a post he held until 1971. He remained on the teaching staff until his retirement in 1976.

Fischer is credited, along with several other faculty of the era, with the creation of several unique support units--the Krider Visual Resource and Learning Center, the Weigel Architecture Library, and the Environmental Design Studies Program--that continue to play critically important roles in the College's ability to deliver quality design education.

Because of his concern regarding the long-term welfare of Manhattan, Fischer was also active in the community, successfully campaigning for election to the city commission and serving as mayor.

Fischer's artistic talents have been captured in several publications; two collections of his drawings are of special interest to K-State students, faculty, alumni and friends. "A Walk Through Campus," published by the Kansas State University Foundation in 1982, is a pictorial history of buildings on the K-State campus. The book includes ink sketches and short descriptions of existing and previously existing structures that capture the spirit of Kansas State University over the past 100 years and provide a scholarly record of our land-grant institution. "Churches of Manhattan and the Vicinity" contains ink sketches of more than 160 churches in the community.

Since retiring to Sun City, Arizona, Fischer has continued to be an avid supporter of the College. Until his declining health no longer permitted travel to Manhattan, he visited the College annually to award to a deserving student the annual scholarship that he and his sons funded. Recently, Fischer established an endowment that provides generous financial support for an interdisciplinary design workshop.

The outstanding design education our College provides, created by Emil Fischer's labor, dedication, and vision, is his legacy to us. We are delighted to present the Kansas State University Distinguished Service Award as a fitting tribute.