Centenarian’s wisdom remains a lesson today

'Life is tough, but you have to be tougher'

By Erin Hoover Barnett March 24, 2020 Portland, Oregon

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Dr. Walter Reynolds, shown in this undated photo, was the first African American to receive an M.D. degree from what is now the OHSU School of Medicine. Reynolds is turning 100 this month. (Photo courtesy Reynolds family)

Walter Reynolds

Dr. Walter Reynolds records an oral history interview at the Oregon Medical Association offices as part of the history of medicine in Oregon project. Reynolds, turning 100 this month, was the first African American to receive an M.D. degree from what is now the OHSU School of Medicine. (OHSU)

Walter Reynolds

Dr. Walter Reynolds, shown seated in this undated photo with five of his six children, was the first African American to receive an M.D. degree from what is now the OHSU School of Medicine. Reynolds is turning 100 this month. (Photo courtesy Reynolds family)

Walter Reynolds

Dr. Walter Reynolds, shown in this undated photo from his marriage to Mildred Eleanor Squires, was the first African American to receive an M.D. degree from what is now the OHSU School of Medicine. Reynolds is turning 100 this month. (Photo courtesy Reynolds family)

Walter Reynolds

Reynolds class photo

(OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Portland Aerial Tram

Portland Aerial Tram cabin with passengers at sunrise. (OHSU/Cyril "Kent" Anderson)

Walter Reynolds

University of Oregon Medical School graduating class of 1949, where Dr. Walter Reynolds, turning 100 this month, was the first African American to receive an M.D. degree from what is now the OHSU School of Medicine. (OHSU)