Never too old to learn: 105-year-old woman earns Master's degree from Stanford University

A 105-year-old woman in the US finally received her master's degree from Stanford University, 83 years after her studies were interrupted by the second world war.

Virginia Hislop completed her Master’s studies at university in early 1941, but she had to leave shortly after when her fiance was called to serve in the war.

Unable to complete her thesis, she put her degree on hold. Before the deployment of her fiance, the couple got married and Hislop moved in with him.

Later, she settled in Washington with her husband and two children. 

Recently, her son-in-law approached the university and he was told that Hislop was eligible to receive her master’s degree without submitting a final thesis.

She enrolled at Stanford University in 1936 to pursue a bachelor's degree. With an interest in teaching, her passion for education led her to pursue postgraduate studies.

In an interview, she explained that while she did not pursue a career in teaching, she still made notable contributions to academia and created valuable educational opportunities.

“I didn’t return to teaching, but I feel I put my teaching certificate to good use serving in committees and on boards and trying to improve the educational opportunities every chance I got,” she said. 

The inspirational woman opposed the outdated middle school curriculum that forced her daughter to choose home economics over English. 

She also advocated for the establishment of independent community college districts in Washington.

Hislop went on to champion education for women by fundraising for Heritage University, a school founded and led by women.

She secured $6 million in aid for students hoping to attend the school. A scholarship is established in her name at Pacific Northwest University.