105-Year-Old Earns Degree After 83 Years

Virginia “Ginger” Hislop, at the age of 105, has proven that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. On June 16, 2024, Hislop finally received her master’s degree from Stanford University, 83 years after she initially left the program.

Hislop began her academic journey at Stanford University School of Education in 1936, earning her bachelor’s degree in education in 1940. She aimed to complete her master’s degree to become a teacher but had to put her ambitions on hold when World War II broke out. Her then-boyfriend, George Hislop, an ROTC student, was called to serve in the military. The couple decided to marry, and Virginia left Stanford just before completing her thesis.

Throughout the war and the subsequent years, Hislop dedicated herself to supporting her family and contributing to her community in Washington State. She served on the Yakima School Board of Directors, was a founding member of the board of directors for Yakima Valley Community College, and helped establish Heritage University, where she served on the board for two decades.

Despite her extensive contributions to education, the unfinished degree lingered in her mind. “From time to time, I wished I had finished and gotten my master’s,” Hislop admitted. “Part of it was the fact that I’ve been a college director for many years and didn’t have the advanced degree that some of the others did.”

ReadMore;Graduates Urged to Integrate with Society Post-Graduation

In 2024, Hislop’s long-awaited moment arrived. Stanford University, which no longer requires a thesis for a Master of Arts in Education, recognized her completed coursework and contributions to the field. Daniel Schwartz, the dean of Stanford Graduate School of Education, handed her the diploma, celebrating her decades-long commitment to education and lifelong learning.

The ceremony was a poignant moment. Hislop, using a cane for support, walked across the stage to a standing ovation. “My goodness,” she exclaimed, her smile reflecting the joy and fulfillment of a long-deferred dream.

Virginia Hislop’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance and the enduring value of education. It serves as an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to achieve your goals, no matter the obstacles or the time that has passed.