Never Too Late: 105-Year-Old Woman Graduates With Her Masters From Stanford University

A 105-year-old woman made headlines by earning her Master’s degree in Education from Stanford University. This degree was awarded 83 years later with her whole family watching.

Virginia “Ginger” Hislop, born in 1919, received her Master’s degree and diploma at the Stanford Graduate School commencement ceremony on the 16th.

Dean Daniel Schwartz of Stanford Graduate School of Education praised Hislop, saying, “She is a fierce advocate for equity and the opportunity to learn.” Overwhelmed with emotion, Hislop said, “My goodness. I’ve waited a long time for this.”

Hislop earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Stanford in 1940. She was influenced by her grandmother and aunt who were both educators before the American Civil War.

However, her plans were shifted in 1941 before submitting her thesis when her boyfriend was deployed in World War II. As she moved with her boyfriend and got married, she couldn’t finish her degree. Hislop said, “I knew I could study again whenever needed, and I always enjoyed studying, so I wasn’t worried.”

She worked on the local school board for several decades and sought change in local education. When her daughter was offered a home education class in school, she made sure her daughter took advanced English classes instead. She said, “I’m pleased to have this work recognized with a degree after all these years,” emphasizing, “I believe every child should have the opportunity to develop their potential as much as possible.”