‘I’ve waited a long time for this’: Woman receives master’s degree from Stanford at 105 years old

STANFORD, Calif. (Gray News) - A 105-year-old woman received her master’s degree from Stanford University, finishing her education journey that began over 80 years ago.

Virginia “Ginger” Hislop graduated from Stanford Graduate School of Education last week.

When she started on campus in 1936, she planned to get her bachelor’s degree in education, which she did in 1940, and obtain her master’s degree so she could teach.

According to the university, Hislop started on her master’s degree. But just after completing her coursework and before turning in her final thesis, her then-boyfriend George Hislop got called to serve in World War II.

George Hislop was a student at Standford and in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps when he got the call, prompting the pair to get married and Virginia Hislop to leave campus before graduating.

Eighty-three years later, Virginia Hislop returned to Stanford to finish what she started and received her graduate degree.

When she rose from her seat during last Sunday’s ceremony in her cap and gown, the crowd roared with applause, university representatives shared.

“My goodness,” she said. “I’ve waited a long time for this.”

Virginia Hislop was handed her diploma and smiled for the cameras.

Her grandkids, who were also in attendance, waved and cheered for their grandmother and her long-awaited accomplishments.

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