97-year-old earns fourth university degree

• Tweet

LISMORE, Australia, May 4 (UPI) -- An Australian who got into the Guinness World Records by getting a degree in law at 91 has done it again with a master's at 97.

Allan Stewart was to receive his degree in clinical science Friday from Southern Cross University, The Australian reported. It is his fourth degree, achieved 72 years after he graduated from the University of Sydney with a degree in dentistry.

"I think I can hang up my mortar board and academic robes after this one -- although I said that after my last degree and then I got bored," he said. "I have so much time on my hands these days and I like to keep mentally active."

Stewart said he decided on his field, clinical science or complementary medicine, because he is interested in "healthy aging." He described the interest as personal and to help his community.

Sonya Brownie, one of his supervisors in the master's program, called him "a tremendous inspiration to those who aspire to age well."