Alumni Spotlight with Composites '23 Alum Jack Gordon

We caught up with Jack Gordon, '23 Composites alum who has been hard at work following his graduation.

What made you choose to go to IYRS?
I was looking for a school that offered desirable fabrication skills that were transferable to the automotive industry, but did not require general education credits. IYRS catered to all of those interests.

What was the most impactful thing you learned at IYRS?
Open molding composites; I use it quite frequently, in both personal projects, and repairs for others.

What was your favorite IYRS memory?
IYRS has an excellent location on Thames Street between the coastline and the busy streets of Newport. There was always a place to grab lunch with friends from class.

How has IYRS changed or impacted your career and life?
I've made several friends during my time at IYRS, and have kept connected to them. It's been interesting to discuss together how we've used our skills for either our work, or our own projects. Not too long ago, I restored a neighbor's vintage statue; It was a 50 year old sculptural piece that was bought for many thousands of dollars. Full limbs of the steel statue had rotted away, but I was able to eliminate the active rust and reconstruct entire sections from glass. The statue now looks like new once again, with under $100 worth of supplies.

What are some of your favorite projects you've worked on since graduating?
After graduating, I completed the project which I had worked on during the capstone project timeframe; a 2/3 replica of James Bond's Aston Martin DB5. After completion, I brought the car to two different shows that fall.

Shortly after completing this project, I acquired a deteriorating sailboat hull from a neighbor, and after completing glass repair work, I converted it into a 1/3 scale replica of the Orca from Jaws.

If someone is on the fence about going to IYRS, what would you tell them?
If you're looking for a small school where everyone is recognized and given equal opportunity to succeed (not to mention a terrific location!) IYRS is for you!

What is a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I like to recycle, so I will typically repair old, well built parts, rather than replacing. My education at IYRS saved me a headache and lots of money. I was able to repair my fiberglass 1965 Shelby hood, rather than purchasing a new one.

Anything additional you would like to add?
The IYRS denim (graduation) shirts are great, denim is pretty much all I wear, lol.