Justin Best along the Schuylkill River at Boathouse Row
A graduate of the Bennett S. LeBow College of Business and member of the Drexel men's rowing team, Best first represented Team USA as a member of the men's eight at the 2020 Summer Olympics, where his team finished in fourth place. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Best and his teammates achieved a historic victory in the men's four, capturing the first gold medal in the event for Team USA in 64 years.
During his time at Drexel, Best competed in the men's four and eight, contributing significantly to the success of the University's rowing program. Best's winning trajectory began early, earning selection to the Under-23 National Team in both 2018 and 2019, where he competed in the men's eight. In 2018, he and his crew captured the U23 World Championship title with a time of 5:22.48 for 2,000 meters — a record that still stands today.
He now works in investment banking as an analyst for Union Square Advisors, where he provides guidance on enterprise software to a diverse portfolio of clients that range from technology enabled health care services to developers of solid-state rocket motors.
Q: What did you learn about yourself and the world through your Drexel experience?
A: I learned that growth happens in the uncomfortable spaces, from early mornings on the water to late nights balancing academics, co-op and training. Drexel taught me that pressure isn't something to fear; it's something you can learn to deal with, take a deep breath through and even thrive under. I also realized how much better I am as a whole when I'm supported by a community that believes in "ambition without limits."
Q: How has your time at Drexel had a lasting impact on you as well as others?
A: I met some of my closest friends while at Drexel through the athletics department, classes and other on-campus organizations I was part of. My life would look a lot different if I had not been on the same campus at the same time as that group of people.
Q: What was a uniquely-Drexel moment that shifted how you think or what you wanted to do in the future?
A: I think one moment that was uniquely Drexel was when I raced the Dad Vail Regatta during my junior year. I participated in the time trials in the morning. Then, I showered at the boathouse and rode my bike down the Schuylkill River Trail to my co-op at PECO and clocked into work that day. If that wasn't the most quintessential Drexel/Philly experience a student could have, I am not sure what is.
Q: What advice would you give someone who is starting their Drexel journey?
A: Lean into the opportunities that feel slightly out of reach, because that is where the real transformation happens. Ask questions, build relationships and don't underestimate how far consistency will carry you. Drexel gives you the platform, but you have to decide where you want to go from there and how high you want to climb.
Q: Is there anything else the world should know about your Drexel experience?
A: I think I summarized it best in my commencement speech in front of the class of 2025. Drexel students are uniquely equipped to blaze their own trails and create the time after college that they desire.