Alumni Profile - Jackson Gordan
June 2015
Over the last five years, this profile series has told the stories of FBI Agents, teachers, doctors, paralegals and other respected members of the community. Now, a new name can be added to that list….Batman. Former student Jackson Gordon is a credit graduate of the College, meaning he has taken a significant number of credits which classifies him as an alumnus. He has taken his affinity for comic books and costume design and turned it into a profession, creating a "Hollywood approved" Batman suit that is all but bulletproof. In case he ever wants to become the real Batman, he also happens to have a black belt in kung fu. His suit has recently been featured in USA Today, CNN, CNet and Discovery Channel Canada. Be sure to click on the accompanying links to learn more about the College’s own Dark Knight.
What year did you graduate from Delaware County Community College and with what degree?
"I started at the College in the fall of 2012, but unfortunately did not graduate and left after the spring semester of 2014 to attend Philadelphia University. I took mostly liberal arts courses that would likely transfer into whatever program I decided to major in, which turned out to be Industrial Design."
Did you pursue further academic goals?
"Yes, after transferring I am now a full-time student at Philadelphia University studying Industrial Design."
What is next for you professionally?
"I've started my own company, Armatus Designs (www.armatus-designs.com), as a small custom prop and costume shop which operates on commission based builds for clients, as well as a small number of purchasable items on my website. I'm using this company both to somewhat support myself financially and bolster my resume for when I apply for an industry position upon graduating."
What is your favorite memory of your time on campus, outside of the classroom?
"Once or twice a week I would play the latest Pokemon game against other students in one of the college lounges in-between classes, which was both fun and intellectually stimulating, as well as a good way to socialize and make friends."
Did you have a favorite professor or class during your studies?
"Embarrassingly I can't remember most of my professors’ names, but I had a fantastic experience in my psychology, sociology and philosophy classes. All three classes really presented an abstract perspective of the world and a new understanding of the way things are."
What advice would you give to current students and Alumni to capitalize on the education they received from the College?
"Take courses that you have personal interest in, regardless of whether or not they contribute to your major. Not only are they fun, but they're also a great way to learn things that could improve your life or business. None of the courses I mentioned earlier have anything to do with my major, but they all helped me get a better grasp of who I am and what I plan to do with my life."
"To end with a quote from Master Meyers, the head instructor from my time as a martial arts student at Shaolin Studios, ‘Do what you love, the money will follow.’ That's exactly what I've done for the past few years, and now I'm receiving global recognition for my work (which is really just my hobby), allowing me to start my own company, and there's no reason for it to be different for anyone else. Anyone can do what I have done if they are passionate enough about what they're doing and work at it every day.”
You can read more about Jackson and his creative endeavours courtesy of the following websites:
www.facebook.com/armatusdesigns
www.cnet.com/news/low-budget-real-life-batsuit-stops-knives-and-punches
college.usatoday.com/2015/02/23/philadelphia-university-student-makes-protective-batsuit
