Virginia Hislop, at 105 years old, recently received her Master of Arts in Education degree from Stanford University, 83 years after leaving campus just before completing her thesis. Hislop’s journey to this moment began in 1936 when she started her education at Stanford, earning an undergraduate degree in education and moving on to postgraduate studies. She had hoped to go to law school but settled for teaching due to financial constraints. She completed coursework for a master’s degree but never turned in her thesis due to getting married and supporting her husband during World War II.
After the war, Hislop and her husband settled in Yakima, Washington, where they raised two children. Hislop continued to focus on education by serving on educational committees and boards to improve educational opportunities in the community. She opposed curricula that limited her daughter’s education and ran for the Yakima School District Board of Directors to advocate for change. Hislop also played a role in lobbying for independent community college districts in Washington state, including Heritage University, which she helped raise funds for through various initiatives.
Hislop’s interest in education may have been influenced by her aunt, who was a principal at a public school in Los Angeles. Her aunt’s experiences with students from diverse backgrounds showcased the power of education in transforming lives. Hislop was inspired by the impact education had on these students and how it opened up opportunities for them. This passion for education and equity led her to advocate for public education initiatives that aimed to provide equal access to education for all.
At the ceremony where she received her degree, Daniel Schwartz, the dean of Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, described Hislop as a fierce advocate for equity and the opportunity to learn. Hislop’s journey to this moment reflects a lifetime of dedication to improving educational opportunities for others. Despite not completing her thesis decades ago, Hislop’s commitment to education remained unwavering, and her contributions to educational initiatives in her community have left a lasting impact. Through her work and advocacy, Hislop has paved the way for a future where education is accessible to all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.
