09/17/2026
Some goals take a little longer than planned, but that doesn't make them any less meaningful.
For Greg Coffman, earning a Purdue degree had been a longtime goal. He hoped to complete his Master of Business Administration before turning 40. Life had other plans, and he crossed the finish line at 40 instead.
As Greg puts it, "I still think it counts."
Throughout the program, he stayed motivated by focusing on the progress he was making. With every course, he gained new perspectives and skills that extended beyond his day-to-day work. Graduate school became more than a credential — it became an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Although Greg completed his MBA online and had never set foot on Purdue's campus until commencement, he never felt disconnected. Through conversations with classmates, many of whom attended classes on campus, he built relationships that made him feel like part of the Purdue community long before he arrived in West Lafayette.
For Greg, commencement wasn't just the end of a degree. It was the realization of a goal years in the making and the first time he experienced the campus he had worked so hard to be a part of.
He also knows online education can open doors for people who may not live nearby or have the flexibility to relocate. Purdue's online MBA gave him the opportunity to earn a degree from the university he had always admired while continuing to grow in his career.
Congratulations, Greg, on achieving a lifelong goal. Your journey is a reminder that there is no perfect timeline for pursuing your dreams — only the determination to keep moving forward. Boiler Up!
