Virginia Hislop has always championed education, advocating for its importance throughout her life. Now, at 105 years old, she has completed her own educational journey by earning a Master of Arts in Education from Stanford University.
A Lifelong Journey
In June 2024, Hislop celebrated her achievement as she received her diploma in a Cardinal-red cover. This remarkable milestone comes 83 years after she left the university, just shy of finishing her degree.
Her journey began in 1936 when she first enrolled at Stanford. Despite her academic success, she left in 1941 without completing her thesis, choosing instead to support her fiancé, who was preparing to serve in World War II.
A Life Of Service And Advocacy
Hislop’s departure from Stanford didn’t mark the end of her dedication to education. After the war, she settled in Yakima, Washington, with her husband, George, where they raised two children. Her passion for education continued to burn brightly, leading her to serve on numerous educational committees and boards.
One notable achievement was her election to the Yakima School District Board of Directors, where she campaigned against the mandatory home economics curriculum and advocated for advanced English courses. Her influence extended to the establishment of independent community college districts in Washington state, ensuring broader access to higher education.
Building Educational Institutions
Hislop’s commitment to education went beyond education, too. She played a major role in fundraising for Heritage University, a women-led institution near Yakima. She initiated the Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner, which has raised nearly $6 million to support students. Her efforts also led to the establishment of the Virginia Hislop Emergency Fund at Pacific Northwest University, which provides financial assistance to students in need.
Inspired By Family Legacy
Hislop’s dedication to education was influenced by her aunt Nora, who was a principal in West Los Angeles’ Sawtelle Japantown neighborhood. Nora’s stories about the transformative power of education on Hispanic students in her school left a lasting impression on her niece. These stories reinforced Hislop’s belief that education is the key to unlocking limitless opportunities.
A Fitting Tribute
Daniel Schwartz, dean of Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, handed Hislop her master’s diploma. He described her as “a fierce advocate for equity and the opportunity to learn,” a fitting tribute to her lifelong commitment to education.
Hislop’s story shows the enduring power of education and the impact one dedicated individual can make. Her new degree is not just a personal achievement but a symbol of her fundamental belief in the value of education for all.
References:
NBC News: 83 years later, 105-year-old finally earns master’s from Stanford
The Guardian: Woman earns Stanford master’s degree at 105
Stanford Graduate School of Education
PNWU Scholarships: Virginia Hislop Emergency Fund
Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner
