Class of 2023: Andrew Biegner

UA graduate supports athletes on and off the field

Drew Biegner will be the student speaker at the Spring 2023 College of Health and Human Sciences Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 6, at 5 p.m. in the James A. Rhodes Arena. He graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy. After graduation, Drew will pursue a doctorate degree in physical therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va.

Q: Why did you want to go to UA?

A: When I toured UA, the moment I stepped on campus I knew this was my future home. Everything was perfect, from the beautiful new facilities to the faculty. Also, UA is the ideal distance from my hometown: I can go home if I need to, but I am still living independently. UA is also very affordable for being a top academic institution, and this means a lot to me.

Q: What campus activities were you involved in?

A: During my first two years here, I was the director of events for the AK-ROWDIES, our student cheering section that supports Zips student-athletes. I also am in the Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity and served as our graduate relations chair for the last two years. On the pre-professional side, I have been a student ambassador and a member of our College of Health Professions Dean’s Team for the previous two years I also have been the president of our Exercise Science Club for the past three years. In this role, I served as our lead director for this year’s Glow Run 5K, which was held on campus.

Q: What campus honors or awards have you received?

A: I have been awarded the Midwest Undergraduate Scholar of the Year by the American College of Sports Medicine, the Phi Gamma Delta Triple A Award, the Brian Breittholz Scholarship and I am a five-time recipient of the Alpha Omicron Scholarship Award. I also had the honor of receiving Led Exercise Science Club to Gold Level Recognition in the 2020-2021 academic year. And I have been on the Dean’s list for two semesters and the President’s list for six semesters.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I will be moving to Richmond, Va., to attend Virginia Commonwealth University and obtain my doctorate in physical therapy.

Q: What is your favorite memory of UA?

A: I have two favorite memories! The first was when our Akron Zips men’s basketball team beat Kent State in the 2023 MAC Championship, and then later went on to almost beat UCLA in the NCAA Tournament. The second was the Glow Run 5K. Our team put in hundreds of hours of hard work to run a flawless event to raise funds to send our students to conferences. The race day itself could not have gone better!

Q: What unique things should we know about you?

A: I am a college basketball junkie but have never won a March Madness bracket challenge. My dog is an English pointer named Bill. Finally, my favorite restaurant is a hot dog place called Ted’s in Buffalo, N.Y.