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Mary Kay Morrison, ’68, believes everyone could use a laugh, especially now. Most would agree with the NIU alumna, who has made a career out of exploring the links between cognitive research and humor.

“In order to survive life’s challenges, it is critical to have a sense of humor,” said Morrison.

She points to the numerous memes and cartoons that emerged during the pandemic, adding that laughter can help people navigate through tough times.

“There is often a misconception that humor is about jokes or clowning (around),” Morrison said. “It is important to note that having a sense of humor is about the ability to see funny, not be funny.”

It is not a surprise that Morrison said it has been a fun journey since earning her undergraduate degree in home economics—early childhood in 1968 and her master’s in adult continuing education in 1982.

Today, the College of Health and Human Sciences still houses programs that developed from the field of home economics, such as human development and family sciences, fashion merchandising, and nutrition, health and wellness.

“Who would have thought that it would lead to a career as a pioneer initiating an international education program in the field of humor studies?” Morrison said.

A resident of Caledonia, Illinois, Morrison is the founder and director of Humor Quest, and past president of the Board of Directors for the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH).

An educator who has taught at every level of the educational spectrum, for three decades Morrison has presented workshops on humor and stress management and conducted seminars on brain research, leadership and parenting.

“The foundation for my interest in the importance of play came from my classes in the Home Economics lab in the 1960s, with my observations of child development and how children learn through play,” Morrison said. “I am passionate about sharing the health benefits of humor, laughter and especially the importance of play.”

Morrison said her passion for play was not always welcomed or appreciated, but that didn’t discourage her entrepreneurial spirit.

“I have actually faced ridicule from those who felt that teaching was serious business and there was not room in the curriculum for play and laughter,” Morrison said. “The opposite is true; optimal learning occurs through playful experiences when learning is engaging and fun.”

For other entrepreneurs, she has this piece of advice: “Learn from those who question you, and lean on those who believe you,” Morrison said. “Seek your inner-child—the one who wants to laugh and play every day—so you can nurture your creativity and your sense of humor for optimal well-being.”

Morrison’s third book, “Legacy of Laughter: A Grandparent Guide and Playbook,” was a labor of love and laughter.

“As much as I appreciated my various career opportunities, my most valued experiences have been in my role as a parent and grandparent,” Morrison said. “It has enabled me to have a unique perspective on how grandparents can make a significant impact on the lives of their grandchildren.”