105-Year-Old Woman Completes Master's Degree from Stanford University, 83 Years After Not Finishing Thesis

Virginia Hislop has devoted her life to expanding educational access, and at 105 years old, she seems to have finished her educational journey.

105-Year-Old Woman Completes Master's Degree from Stanford University

This past Sunday, Hislop celebrated getting a Master of Arts degree in Education from Stanford University, 83 years after leaving campus without completing her thesis. Her son-in-law contacted the university and learned that the thesis requirement had been set aside.

"I've been working in education for many years, so it's gratifying to be recognized with this degree," Hislop told Stanford. Her journey began in 1936 at Stanford, where she first pursued an undergraduate education degree before advancing to postgraduate studies.

Despite completing coursework for a master's degree, she had delayed submitting her final thesis in 1941, as World War II loomed and her fiancé prepared for military service.

Reflecting on her time at Stanford and subsequent life options, Hislop elucidated her decision to focus on teaching rather than pursuing law school due to financial restraints dictated by her father.

Following the war, she settled in Yakima, Washington, with her husband George, raising two children while remaining deeply committed to educational causes.

Her advocacy extended beyond traditional teaching roles; she actively served on committees and boards, striving to enhance educational opportunities.

Hislop's efforts included challenging school curricula and advocating for independent community college districts in Washington state. She later played a pivotal role in founding Heritage University and continued her educational advocacy through philanthropic endeavors, such as establishing scholarships.

Hislop's passion for education stemmed partly from her aunt Nora's influence, a school principal who highlighted the transformative power of education in Los Angeles. She remarked on the pivotal role education played in shaping futures, emphasizing its potential to unlock limitless opportunities.

Getting her long-awaited master's degree from Stanford symbolizes the culmination of Hislop's lifelong loyalty to public education and equitable learning opportunities.

Dean Daniel Schwartz of Stanford's Graduate School of Education defined her as "a fierce advocate for equity and the opportunity to learn," emphasizing the effect of her decades of advocacy and service in the field of education.

Virginia Hislop Receives Master's Degree After 83 Years

Hislop got her Master of Arts in Education diploma at Stanford's Graduate School of Education commencement on June 16. Her journey at Stanford started in 1936 when she enrolled for a bachelor's degree, which she completed in 1940. She promptly pursued a master's degree in education to prepare for a teaching career.

"I thought it was something I could pick up if needed and always enjoyed studying but getting married was more pressing," she told Stanford's GSE publication.

Hislop paused her education after finishing her coursework to marry George Hislop, who was called to serve in World War II. Despite having two children, she remained dedicated to education, chairing school boards to influence curricula and engaging in Washington state politics.

Her son-in-law, Doug Jensen, contacted Stanford about her degree and discovered that the thesis requirement had been eliminated. With completed coursework, Hislop met the necessary credits for the degree.

"My goodness," Hislop remarked at the ceremony. "I've waited a long time for this."