Fisher, a strong city of Detroit booster and a founding member of Detroit Renaissance, was honored for his long-standing commitment to the economic and cultural vitality of southeastern Michigan and for his exemplary work on behalf of charitable causes. Fisher has served the Detroit area in numerous ways, from raising money for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to service on the boards of civic organizations. He has supported hospitals, invested in development of Detroit's New Center area and established scholarships. His expertise in Middle Eastern affairs and Jewish issues led to his being an advisor to several U.S. presidents, and he received the Presidential Citizen Award from President Ronald Reagan.

A 1930 graduate of Ohio State University, Fisher also has a long relationship with Wayne State, where he served on the board of directors for the WSU Press in the 1960s. In 1973, he received the WSU Board of Governors Distinguished Citizen Award as well as the university's Builders of Detroit Award.