When civil engineering legend John W. Fisher formally retired from Lehigh in 2002, experts from around the world assembled here to celebrate his unprecedented contributions to bridge engineering and structural connection in his more than 40-year career.

Internationally renowned for his expertise in fatigue and cracking of steel bridges, Fisher investigated some of the world’s most notable structural failures in the last half-century, including a Marcy Pedestrian Bridge that had been under construction in New York. He was among a panel of national experts that investigated the World Trade Center’s collapse after the 2001 terrorist attacks. 

Fisher, who was the Joseph P. Stuart professor of civil engineering, also pushed for research to advance technologies and prevent building and bridge failures. He founded Lehigh’s ATLSS (Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems) Center, a national center for research and education.

Fisher has won nearly every medal and distinction in his field. His work, including his photos, analyses and opinions, are part of Linderman Library’s “hidden” collections.