As a member of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics’ Class of 2020, Anna Biondi from Newtown, Connecticut has not had the typical final semester or commencement at UD due to the coronavirus outbreak. She, and her entire class, have shown incredible resilience, maturity and spirit while adjusting to the many unexpected changes that they have encountered.
Biondi was nominated for this series by UD Department of Finance adjunct faculty member Maurice Redding, who said, “Academically, Anna has been a stellar student in my FINC 412 class this spring. However, the reason I am nominating Anna is for her commitment to learning regardless of the circumstances. Once classes transitioned to online learning, Anna was the only student to keep her camera on every minute of every Zoom class for the remainder of the semester. FINC 412 is a 3-hour class taught once per week and Anna was attentive throughout the many lengthy lectures and discussions. She was unwavering in her dedication to my class and I am very grateful to have had Anna as a student this spring.“
In this profile, Biondi, an accounting and finance double major, shared her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Q: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Biondi: Looking back to my first semester at UD I can hardly put into words the immense amount of growth and accomplishment I have seen in myself. My professionalism, technical skills and love for learning have surely expanded during my time here and I’m so proud of who I have become over the past four years. I have UD and the Lerner College to thank for that.
Q: What is your favorite place at UD?
Biondi: My favorite place at UD is the Trading Lab located in Purnell Hall. Although I am not in the Blue Hen Investment Club, it has always been, in my eyes, a place that has inspired learning and development. I definitely do my best work while studying in the lab and have spent countless hours deepening my understanding of finance and the business world.
Q: What is the most memorable course that you took at Lerner?
Biondi: The most memorable course(s) that I took at Lerner were Business Law I and II taught by Professor Roger Coffin. His pure adoration for teaching and providing students with advice is what made the class so enjoyable and beneficial–along with the business law content that I learned! Professor Coffin has mastered something that most students appreciate; not only teaching course content but introducing lifelong concepts like the importance of finding and sticking with a career you love.
Q: What was your favorite signature UD experience?
Biondi: My favorite signature UD experience was joining Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi), a co-ed professional business fraternity on campus. Joining AKPsi has led me to many invaluable opportunities throughout my time at UD. Additionally, AKPsi has introduced me to lifelong friends that have shaped my college experience. I can’t express enough how grateful I am for this organization.
Q: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Biondi: Being a “Lifelong Lerner” means pursuing curiosity and always staying engaged. Learning doesn’t have to be grandiose but can be as minimal as learning a new word everyday. Learning is bettering yourself one step at a time. This is something that the Lerner College faculty and staff has instilled in me throughout my time at UD.
Q: What are your plans following graduation?
Biondi: Following graduation I will continue to study for the CPA exams and will start with PwC as a risk assurance associate in the New York metro area this fall.