105-Year-Old Woman Earns Stanford Master's Degree 83 Years Later

Virginia Hislop, who left her studies during WWII, finally graduates after a lifetime dedicated to education advocacy.

Virginia Hislop began her education at Stanford in 1936 and completed her coursework but left in 1941 before submitting her thesis.
Her son-in-law discovered that the thesis requirement had been dropped, making her eligible for the degree she earned decades ago.
Hislop's advocacy included serving on school boards and helping to establish Heritage University in Washington.
She received a standing ovation at Stanford's 2024 commencement ceremony, attended by her family and the graduating class.
Hislop's story underscores the enduring value of lifelong learning and her commitment to educational equity.