If a thought that you might be too old to study again ever crossed your mind, just look at the 105-year-old woman who has received her master’s degree from Stanford University after starting her educational journey over 80 years ago, according to a report from ABC7.

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Key Takeaways

  • Virginia “Ginnie” Hislop began her studies at Stanford in the 1940s.
  • Her education was interrupted by World War II, during which she left school to support her then-boyfriend, who was called to serve.
  • Ginnie Hislop finally graduated on June 16, 2024, at the age of 105.

Virginia “Ginnie” Hislop took the required classes at Stanford in the 1940s, with plans to complete her master’s degree. However, her education was interrupted when World War II broke out. Her then-boyfriend, George Hislop, was called to serve in the war, prompting Ginnie to leave school and marry him. During the war, she focused on supporting the war effort and raising her family, which includes two kids, four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

105-Year-Old Woman Finally Receives Master's Degree from Stanford
Image: abcnews.go.com, Charles Russo for Stanford University

While managing her family life, Ginnie also dedicated herself to serving on school and college boards in Washington State for many decades. Despite the challenges and responsibilities, she always cherished her dream of completing her master’s degree.

A Long-Awaited Achievement

Years later, Stanford University dropped its thesis requirement, allowing Ginnie to return and complete her degree. On June 16, 2024, she walked the stage to accept her Master of Arts in Education. When GSE Dean Daniel Schwartz handed her the diploma, Ginnie was heard saying, “My goodness, I’ve waited a long time for this.”

In an interview with “Good Morning America,” which aired on Wednesday, Ginnie expressed her joy over the milestone. “False modesty has never been one of my problems,” she said. “I felt I deserved it, and I was delighted to get it.”

Ginnie’s story is a brilliant example to perseverance and dedication, proving that it’s never too late to achieve one’s dreams.

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