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Centenarian earns degree after eight-decade hiatus.
Ginny Hislop is now a master's graduate at 102 years old.
Published June 21, 2024 at 3:58pm by Max Hauptman
At 105, Ginnie Hislop Receives Her Master's Degree, Decades After World War II Delayed Her Studies
Ginnie Hislop, 105, has finally received her master's degree in education from Stanford University, eight decades after World War II interrupted her studies.
"My goodness. I’ve waited a long time for this."
― Ginnie Hislop, Stanford News
Hislop first enrolled at Stanford in 1936 and obtained her bachelor's degree in 1940. She completed her coursework for her master's in 1941 and was preparing to submit her thesis when her then-boyfriend, George Hislop, was called to serve in the war. The couple married and departed for Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where George was stationed.
"I always enjoyed studying, so that wasn’t really a great concern to me — and getting married was."
― Ginnie Hislop Stanford News
Post-war, the Hislops settled in Yakima, Washington, raising two children. Hislop put her education to use, joining the local school board and advocating for academic opportunities for all children. She served on school boards at city, county, and state levels, helped establish Yakima Community College, and contributed to the founding of Heritage University in Toppenish, Washington.
"I felt that all the kids should have an opportunity to develop their potential as best they could, and that everybody should have a crack at higher education if they wanted."
― Ginnie Hislop Stanford News
Hislop remains active in her community and with her family, including her four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Her perseverance and love of learning inspire those around her:
"The biggest lesson I’ve taken from her is that you never really stop learning... At 105 she’s still actively moving and shaking. No moss grows under her feet."
― Doug Jensen, Hislop's son-in-law, Stanford News
After eight decades, Stanford adjusted its degree requirements, removing the thesis mandate, enabling Hislop to receive her diploma. At the ceremony, her fellow graduates gave her a standing ovation.
"It’s nice to be recognized."
― Ginnie Hislop Stanford News
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Read more: 105-year-old Washington woman gets master's 8 decades after WWII interrupted degree