Australian student earns Purdue degree from home

Renee Hajek traveled more than 9,000 miles to walk across the Elliott Hall of Music stage in her cap and gown Saturday morning.

For 4½   years, Hajek worked toward her associate in applied science degree from her home in Canberra, Australia. Saturday was just the second time she had visited Purdue University throughout her academic career.

Hajek is one of only a few dozen students who have completed their degrees nearly entirely online through the university's Veterinary Technology Distance Learning program since it began in 1999.

She had been working as a veterinary nurse, but it doesn't require a university degree in Australia, and Hajek said she had a thirst to learn more.

“I wanted more knowledge and I knew that here in North America the programs in veterinary technology were fantastic," she said.

Hajek came across Purdue's program when she looked online for distance learning options and was attracted to its flexibility.

The program doesn't require students to watch or listen to lectures in real-time, so they can go back to recorded lectures when it works best for them.

Bangert: Grad time for Mitch Daniels’ first Purdue ‘classmates’

Hajek was also able to complete required clinical mentorships through videotaping herself at the veterinary practice where  she works,   then sending the clips online to her professors.

"We think it's a wonderful opportunity for, literally, students all around the world to earn a Purdue degree," said Willie M. Reed, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The program marked the first completely online degree offered through Purdue, he added.

Working from afar, however, was a challenge for Hajek at times.

“It really calls for self-discipline, and you have to have it in yourself, really," she said. "You have to really want it.”

Hajek did get to spend some face-to-face time with her professors when she visited campus for a couple of weeks last year, which she really enjoyed.

Her visit was much shorter this time, though. Hajek flew out Saturday afternoon to Canada, her native country,   to spend time with her family before she returns to Australia.

Hajek will continue to work at the same animal practice, but she said her new degree will give her a higher salary and possibly a new job title with more responsibilities.

“I know things will change for me and improve," she said.

Bangert: Check the weird things Purdue students leave behind