Yale Bulletin and Calendar

May 11, 2007|Volume 35, Number 28|Two-Week Issue

Karen Morris will soon become the first grandmother ever to graduate from the School of Medicine.

'Oprah Show' hails first grandmother
to earn Yale M.D.

A 44-year-old mother of five and grandmother who once thought admissions officers would simply laugh at her application to the Yale School of Medicine was celebrated recently for her perseverance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Karen Morris, who will soon become the first grandmother ever to graduate from the School of Medicine, was honored as part of Winfrey's "Cheers to You!"episode of her show. Her determination not only earned her a surprise visit from Oprah's "Cheers to You!" team at the School of Medicine, but also resulted in one company's decision to pay off all of Morris' student debts.

Morris first thought about becoming a doctor during high school, when she saw doctors taking care of her ill grandmother and was in "awe" of them, she says. However, her plans for a medical career were put on hold when she became pregnant at 16. "I was supposed to be the first one [in the family] to go to college," she told "The Oprah Winfrey Show." "I felt like I let everyone down. I was devastated, and it devastated my family as well."

Morris managed to stay in high school and earn her diploma. By age 29, she had five children. She still wanted to go to college, but her then husband did not support that dream.

"He didn't think we had the time or the money," Morris said. "I finally realized that he was never going to say it was the time. I enrolled without telling him."

Morris eventually left her husband and began pursuing a career as a nurse, thinking that she'd never be able to get into medical school with five children. She worked two -- and sometimes three -- jobs while also juggling motherhood and school.

Morris became a nurse and a grandmother, but says that she still dreamt of being a doctor.

"I finally had to admit to myself that I still wanted to be a doctor," she said. "I could not bring myself to say it out loud to anyone. I was just so afraid that people would think I was crazy."

She also feared that her applications to medical schools would be "laughed off" the desks of admissions officers.

There were no laughs at the Yale School of Medicine, which admitted her as its first-ever student-grandmother.

"It just blew me away," said Morris. "When I was dreaming, I don't think I had dreamt this big."

Morris was in for another surprise recently when she and her medical school classmates were called into a lecture hall, purportedly for an important graduation meeting. Inside the lecture hall, a video was cued and Winfrey appeared on the screen to say, "Here on 'The Oprah Show' we're doing a show called 'Cheers to You.' I just happened to hear about a remarkable person in your class. Will Karen Morris please stand up?"

Morris' classmates began cheering as Winfrey continued, "Your classmates say your enthusiasm and your curiosity and your dedication are an inspiration to all of them. So I want everyone to stand up and join me in giving Karen a big 'Cheers to You!'" Winfrey then invited Morris to appear on her show several days later.

In yet another surprise for Morris, her entire family, including grandchildren, also flew out to Chicago to give her a cheer on the show. Her oldest daughter, Nikki, told Winfrey and her audience that her mom is a "wonderful woman," adding, "Growing up with her, she just inspired all of us."

Morris also has a new husband, and she noted that he married her despite her school loan debt. "I'll be a senior citizen when I pay it off, but that's okay," she said on Winfrey's show.

In a dramatic moment, Morris then learned from Winfrey that AMBI Skin Care has taken away her worry about paying off loans: The company will take care of all of Morris' medical school debts.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Co-evolution of genitalia in waterfowl reveals 'war between the sexes'

Study of Galápagos tortoises' DNA may locate mate for 'Lonesome George'

Eighteen new Yale World Fellows named

Health clinic staff among the winners of Elm-Ivy Awards

Bringing a philosophical perspective to palliative care

University breaks ground for its 'most green building'

Child Study Center recognized for leadership in autism research

Yale senior Rebekah Emanuel wins Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose

Using molecular 'nanosyringe,' researchers demonstrate . . .

Irish writer's play about Siamese twins wins Yale Drama Series award

When it comes to grades, giving is no easier than receiving, says panel

Talents of drama students showcased in Carlotta Festival

Biophysicist Steitz honored for ribosome research with Gairdner Award

CCL renovations on schedule; lawn to be used for Commencement

Project aims to improve financial services for those living in poverty

Pastoral leadership skills are focus of Center for Faith and Culture event

MacMillan Center honors the work of three Yale faculty members

Yale has highest number of sports teams honored . . .

WORKSPACE ENHANCEMENTS AT THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Adding some sunshine to a windowless office

Creating a tranquil space for nursing mothers

Decking the hallways with quilted artworks