She Finally Earned Her Stanford Master’s Degree at 105: ‘I’ve Waited a Long Time for This’

Virginia “Ginny” Hislop made history at Stanford University’s 2024 graduation ceremony by earning a master’s degree in education at the remarkable age of 105, a goal she began pursuing 83 years ago.

A Long-Awaited Achievement

Hislop’s journey to her master’s degree started in 1940 when she was a student at Stanford. At that time, completing a master’s degree required writing a thesis, a formidable task even in the best circumstances. However, her academic aspirations were interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. Her fiancé, George, was called to serve in the military, prompting a swift marriage and her transition to support the war effort on the homefront.

A Lifetime of Service in Education

After the war, Hislop embarked on a long and impactful career in education, leveraging her bachelor’s degree in education. She served on various school boards, dedicating herself to improving educational opportunities for as many people as possible. Her work and dedication to education were profound, even as the years passed and her initial academic goal remained unfinished.

A Second Chance

Decades later, Hislop learned that the requirement for a master’s thesis had been removed, eliminating the primary barrier to completing her degree. This discovery reignited her determination to finish what she had started.

Celebrating a Historic Graduation

In June 2024, with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in attendance, Hislop finally received her master’s degree. The ceremony was a celebration of her lifelong commitment to learning and education.

“For a lot of people, the degree is a badge of accomplishment, and it was great to be able to celebrate someone who cared so much about learning and dedicated her lifetime to other people’s learning,” said Stanford Dean Daniel Schwartz during the ceremony.

A Life of Activity and Service

Hislop’s active lifestyle and dedication to service have been constants throughout her life. Her son-in-law described her as a woman under whose feet “moss doesn’t grow,” highlighting her continuous involvement in volunteering, voracious reading, and enjoying walks in her garden.

Sophia H.