Rasmussen Gets Her Degree Online After 40+ year Break

Gee Gee Rasmussen entered the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1967, but with just six credit hours short of graduation, life intervened. She left school to move to California with her husband, who had been drafted and joined the Navy. Fast-forward 40-plus years, and Rasmussen is now an official Ragin’ Cajun, thanks to the University’s online courses.

Rasmussen, who lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, and is an office manager for H&R Block, plunged back into studies online in 2014 and earned her long-awaited bachelor of general studies degree.

“With the support of my family,  UL Lafayette, and all the instructors and advisers helping me, I finished in one semester and got my degree,” she said happily. Although she originally planned to be a teacher, her final concentration was in health studies. Since she studied online, she paid the same tuition as Louisiana residents.

Students like Rasmussen who need the flexibility of online education — taking courses anytime and anywhere — will have additional choices this fall when the University launches a new online bachelor of general studies program.  The interdisciplinary program offers concentrations in Arts and Humanities, Behavioral Science or Applied Science.

Rasmussen says the key to success with online study is being organized, because “you’re doing a lot of stuff on your own.” Family support is important, as is finding quiet time at home for studying.

She had some experience with online learning through her job, but Rasmussen advises anyone considering online courses to jump in “and take a class.” Whether starting a degree or finishing one after an absence, the end result is gratifying.

Did she return to Louisiana for her graduation?

“Yes!” she said. “They were going to mail me my diploma, but I said, there’s no way I’m not walking across the stage in my cap and gown and getting my degree.”