Some dreams are your own. Others are carried with you.
When Omolara Ibikule lost her father in high school, she also inherited one of his greatest hopes: that she would one day earn a graduate degree from an internationally recognized university. Years later, that dream became her own.
As a technical lead in the oil and gas industry and the mother of two young children, earning a master's degree was never going to be easy. Long days at work were followed by evenings of coursework, and there were moments when the weight of every responsibility felt overwhelming.
Still, she kept going.
Whenever the journey became difficult, she remembered why she started. Crossing the finish line meant more than earning a degree. It meant honoring her father's belief in her, proving to herself that she could persevere and showing her children what it looks like to chase a goal, even when the path isn't easy.
Supported by Purdue's online community, faculty and success coaches, Omolara stayed focused on the future she had envisioned for herself and her family.
Today, she is a graduate with a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering with a concentration in Systems Engineering, fulfilling a promise years in the making.
Her advice to anyone waiting for the "right" time?
"Do it now. There's no best time. Just do it."
Congratulations, Omolara. Your story is a reminder that the most meaningful achievements are often built one determined step at a time. Boiler Up.
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Thinking about taking the next step in Lean Six Sigma training?
Green Belts and Black Belts both focus on improving processes, but their roles look very different. Green Belts often support improvement projects and data analysis, while Black Belts lead larger initiatives that directly impact productivity, customer satisfaction and organizational performance.
Purdue’s online Lean Six Sigma courses teach participants how to reduce variation and defect rates in production processes while eliminating waste and providing maximum value to their stakeholders.
Learn more about the differences between Green Belts and Black Belts: https://bit.ly/45GQvwM
08/06/2026
Summer is winding down, Boilermakers, and that means our fall semester is right around the corner!
Mark your calendars: classes start August 24.
If you haven't registered yet, now's the time — don't wait until the last minute!
Not sure what to take or feeling stuck? That's exactly what your advisors and success coaches are here for.
While you've been soaking up the last of summer, our success coaches have been busy too! 👀 Swipe through to see what they've been up to these past few months.
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08/05/2026
"Why do you need my information? Why the secrecy?"
There’s no secrecy involved. We want to make sure you receive the most accurate and relevant information about the program that interests you most.
When you click "Learn More," you'll receive emails with details about the program, admissions requirements, deadlines and other important information. You'll also have the option to connect with a program specialist if you have questions or would like personalized guidance.
Our goal is simple: provide the information you need in a clear, efficient and respectful way — without overwhelming phone calls or unnecessary outreach. We value your time, your privacy and your educational goals.
08/04/2026
Project managers juggle countless tasks, deadlines and stakeholders. AI is changing the game—not by replacing project managers, but by helping them work smarter.
Purdue Polytechnic's Graduate Certificate in Project Management prepares professionals to lead AI-enabled projects with confidence and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
"The impact is transformational," says Purdue Polytechnic associate professor Katrenia Reed Hughes, a globally recognized speaker for the Project Management Institute.
Aligned with the Project Management Institute’s Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) standards and designed to prepare students for the Project Management Professional (PMP®) exam, the project management graduate certificate program gives students the keys to unlocking the possibilities of AI.
Read more: https://purdue.biz/4g00uTW
08/03/2026
Purdue's new online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Systems Innovation and Quality is designed to give innovative caregivers the strategies and tools needed to meet the evolving needs of tomorrow’s healthcare system.
You will discover how to make data-informed decisions, manage company resources and use emerging technologies to improve care and services while gaining the skills to become thought leaders in the healthcare sector.
“Graduates of this certificate will be positioned to serve as change agents,” says Purdue University School of Nursing Head and Professor Libby Richards. “Some may move into formal leadership roles, but many will remain in clinical or operational settings while leading improvement efforts, implementing new technologies, improving patient outcomes or shaping policy and organizational strategy.”
Read more: https://purdue.biz/3TezgAl
07/22/2026
Ready to grow your career in facilities management?
Join Purdue University on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at noon ET for a program overview about the 100% online Master of Science in Construction Management with a focus on facilities management.
Hear from Purdue faculty about facilities management, learn what it is like to study online and discover how the program helps working professionals build advanced technical and leadership skills. A live Q&A session will follow.
Can't attend live? Register anyway and we'll send you the recording.
Register now: https://purdue.biz/4eEzA3v
07/17/2026
As the semiconductor industry continues to grow, so does the demand for talent.
To help the rising need for a highly skilled workforce, Purdue University is expanding its semiconductor professional education offerings, including the Semiconductor Academy, developed in collaboration with Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.
Read: https://purdue.biz/3T8PgU9
07/16/2026
Advance your career in one of the world's fastest-growing industries.
Join Purdue University on Wednesday, July 22 at 7 p.m. ET for a virtual information session about the 100% online Master of Science in Microelectronics and Semiconductors.
Discover how the program prepares professionals for careers across the semiconductor industry while learning about the curriculum, admissions process and flexible online learning experience. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A session.
Can't attend live? Register anyway and we'll send you the recording.
Register now: https://bit.ly/4b1JXwb
07/15/2026
Artificial intelligence is changing how food is grown, produced and delivered.
Purdue University’s fully online AI in Food Science and Industry Certificate is designed for working professionals who want to understand how AI can be applied responsibly across the food and agriculture industries.
Explore how this flexible professional development program can help you build new skills and stay ahead in a changing industry.
Read more: https://purdue.biz/4vUdsrU
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