Andrew Benson ’21, couldn’t pass up the opportunity to come to Valpo. He was admitted directly into the master of science in physician assistant studies (MSPA) program and knew the value of a Valpo education in healthcare. Andrew says, “The physician assistant program nationwide is one of the toughest programs to get into post undergrad. Being directly admitted to the program, I knew I couldn’t turn it down.” He continues, “Ultimately, I did not stay in the PA program, but I knew how great the healthcare programs at Valpo were and that I had the flexibility to declare a different major if I wanted to.”
While exploring his undergraduate degree path, Andrew took various occupational therapy, human biology, and psychology classes. He was also involved in multiple campus organizations and causes, all of which he says prepared him for his current career. Not only did Benson serve as president of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, but he was also on the executive board for Dance Marathon, was a tour coordinator for the office of admissions, and enjoyed some athletic competition while participating in intramurals. Andrew explains, “When I reflect on my time at Valpo, it taught me how to become a better leader and improve my overall organizational skills. There are so many opportunities for you to get involved on campus and then for you to take on a leadership role.” He adds, “What comes with those leadership roles is that you must be organized. I learned how to be prepared ahead of time and not to procrastinate on big tasks. I like to call them my big rocks. Get the important tasks done first, and then you can go back and think about some of the more minute details.”
One moment stands out in his mind among the plethora of memories that Benson holds from his time on the Valparaiso University campus. “I attended a basketball game where we held a Dance Marathon fundraiser. One of my friends, who was working a part-time job at the game, asked me if I wanted to participate in a half-time challenge. I had one minute to complete it.” He continues, “I made a couple of shots and at the buzzer ended up making it in from half court. The entire arena won a free pizza from Hungry Howie’s!” He says, “That night when I went to get my free pizza from Howie’s, someone said, ‘That’s the guy who made the half-court shot!’ and I got to cut to the front of the line.”
Following graduation from Valpo in 2021, Andrew took a few months off to consider his next steps. He says, “After graduating, I took about six months to work full-time at a bank before heading to graduate school at Indiana University. I completed a dual degree program at the Kelley School of Business and the Public Health School, where I earned a master’s in science and healthcare management. It combines both the business world as well as the healthcare field.” Benson adds, “After graduate school, I started working at Hoosier Cancer Research Network, where I am now. I work in data management currently and will transition into a data analyst role in the next few weeks.”
In Andrew’s role at Hoosier Cancer Research Network (HRCN), he ensures that the data he works with is complete and valid before completing the analysis phase. HCRN is a non-profit clinical research organization that holds clinical trials for the Big Ten medical schools nationwide. Benson says, “It’s exciting to see the kind of work we decide to do as a company. We are a physician-initiated group, so we’re led by doctors working with real patients.” He adds, “What’s cool for me about this work is that there is meaning behind it. There are patients who are on the receiving end of what we’re doing. I enjoy it.”
Once Andrew entered the workforce, he was motivated by finding joy in his work and life. He says, “Do what you enjoy and then become an expert at it. There are so many different fields and different areas to explore. Stick to doing what you enjoy and doing something you want to do.” He continues, “There is a quote that says, ‘Any expert at anything was once a beginner.’ So just start. You might be behind someone else, but spend your time and efforts in becoming an expert at that task, and you’ll improve.”
Valpo has long held a special place in Andrew’s life, and he credits the University for having impacted some of the most influential people in his life. He says, “I met my girlfriend of three years on campus. It’s always fun to come back to Valpo and remember the things we used to do. Most of the people in my life have been impacted by Valpo in some way. Whether by visiting campus, attending a football game, Homecoming, or some other event. It’s amazing to see Valpo’s impact on myself, my friends, and my family.”
Andrew’s advice to other young leaders is simple. “Try to find something you’re interested in, but also make sure you’re actually buying into it and giving your best effort. Your time at Valpo is short. Ultimately, you’re there for probably four years, so make sure you’re taking time to be present. It goes by a lot faster than you think.”
