Earlier this summer, Westridge alum Virginia "Ginnie" Hislop ’36 (our oldest, we believe!)  walked across the stage at Stanford University to receive her master's degree in education—one put on hold since 1941 when she was 22 years old.

Although poised to turn in her final thesis at the time to graduate, her then-boyfriend George Hislop was called into her serve in the military so Ginnie put aside her plans. And though she didn't receive the degree then, Ginnie (based in Washington) went on to chair the Yakima School Board of Directors, become a founding member of the board of directors at Yakima Community College, and help start Heritage University, where she served on the board for 20 years. Master's degree or not, education was and is a throughline of Ginnie's long career. Read more about Ginnie's journey to walking across the stage earlier this year here.

"Without an education, so many doors are closed to you," said Ginnie. "If you have a basic education, you can follow almost any kind of interest—whether scientific or the arts or the written word."

Looking back at her time here in Pasadena, Ginnie said her Westridge education meant a great deal to her. (In fact, it was her great aunt's friend—and the founder of Westridge!—Mary Ranney who admitted her mid-school year.) "I found Westridge challenging in some ways, and very accepting in others," added Ginnie. "I don't imagine that's changed much."