In 2012, Marty O’Connor fell down a flight of stairs just two years after earning his undergrad degree from University of Colorado, which left him quadriplegic.
His primary focus at first was physical therapy, which helped him heal physically, but he still felt mentally lost.
That's when Graduate school became a goal for him.
During his studies at Chapman, Marty used voice recognition software and other aids, but he couldn’t take notes or hand-write test answers.
That’s where his mom came in.
Judy O’Connor attended every class with Marty, taking notes for him as he worked toward his master’s of business administration degree.
And just over the weekend they both earned degrees!
Shortly after pushing Marty in his wheelchair across the stage, Judy was called out as a “special individual.”
The announcer became choked up as she read about the decision by the faculty, administration and board of trustees to award Judy an honorary degree.
The announcer said, "Mrs. Judith O’Connor has attended all the classes with her son Marty. She has taken notes and worked with Marty throughout his academic career.”
The announcer continued saying, "Her son suggested his mother receive the degree."
Congrats Marty and Judy!