It's been a long journey since Virginia “Ginger” Hislop first stepped onto the Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) campus.
Beginning her studies at the then Stanford University School of Education in 1936, Hislop aimed to earn her bachelor's and master’s degrees in education. After obtaining her bachelor’s in 1940, she began working towards her master’s degree, inspired by her grandmother, who taught in Kansas before the Civil War, and her Aunt Nora, a school principal in West Los Angeles.
However, life had other plans. Just as she was about to complete her thesis, her fiancé, George Hislop, a GSE student and ROTC member, was called to serve in World War II. Prioritizing her marriage, Hislop left Stanford without completing her degree.
“I thought it was something I could complete later,” said Hislop, now living in Yakima, Washington. Her passion for education never waned, leading her to return to Stanford 83 years later to finish what she started.
On June 16, during the GSE’s commencement ceremony, Dean Daniel Schwartz honored Hislop’s lifelong dedication to education. “A fierce advocate for equity and the opportunity to learn, today we are proud to confer the master of arts in education to our 105-year-old graduate,” he said.
Family Ties to Stanford
Hislop’s dedication to education extended to her family. When her daughter Anne started first grade in Washington, Hislop ensured she could take advanced English instead of a home economics course. This advocacy led her to join the school board, where she served for 13 years, championing educational opportunities for all children.
Her commitment continued at the city, county, and state levels in Washington. She chaired the Yakima School Board of Directors, helped found Yakima Community College, and served on the board of Heritage University in Toppenish, Washington, for 20 years.
Leadership and Longevity in Learning
Today, Hislop remains active in her community, enjoying reading, socializing, and gardening. “The biggest lesson I’ve taken from her is that you never really stop learning,” said Doug Jensen, her son-in-law.
Reflecting on her career, Hislop attributes her impact on education to her time at Stanford and lessons from community partners. “I think I did good things for our local school system and helped broaden it out,” she said. “This degree is an appreciation of the many years I’ve put in working for the schools in the Yakima area and on different boards.”
As she walked across the stage to receive her diploma, the applause from her fellow graduates and their families was overwhelming. Her grandkids and great-grandkids cheered, celebrating a remarkable milestone in her lifelong educational journey.
