The late Richard L. Fisher, C’63, G’67, established this chair in 1989 to support a faculty member of outstanding character and ability with a particular interest in English. Prior to joining Fisher Brothers Management Company, he was a teaching fellow and writer at Penn. He served Penn as a Trustee and member of the Penn Arts & Sciences’ Board of Advisors. Fisher-Bennett Hall is named in recognition of his generous support of the building’s renovation.