Meet Members of the Class of 2025

Class of 2025
Ian Gordon  
MAJOR: LIBERAL ARTS (AND CONTINUING ED)

Ian Gordon isn’t new to Kingsborough Community College, but this June, he’ll walk across the graduation stage for the first time—14 years after he first enrolled.

“My journey with Kingsborough started in 2009,” said Gordon, who grew up in Brooklyn. “Life took me in another direction, but in 2024, I made the decision to come back and finish what I started.”

Now earning his degree in liberal arts, Gordon said returning after so many years wasn’t just about finishing—it was about starting fresh. Balancing more than six courses, including one outside of college, he learned how to manage his time and responsibilities. “That was one of my biggest challenges,” he said. “But I’m proud of the discipline I’ve built.”

Gordon isn’t the first in his family to attend college, but he is the first to leave and return. “That alone feels like a massive victory,” he said.

His time at Kingsborough wasn’t just spent in the classroom. In addition to course credits, he also collected meaningful experiences and credentials through courses offered by the College’s Continuing Education program, including a collaborative program between Pathways to Industrial & Construction Career, the Consortium for Worker Education, and KCC designed to prepare people for careers within the NYC Ferry system.

He earned certifications in maritime deckhand training, bridges to offshore wind training, basic shipboard firefighting, and food handling. He holds a transportation worker identification credential (TWIC) card and Basic Life Support with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS CPR) certification, and still had time to join KCC’s tennis club.

He credits many professors—more than a dozen—with helping him grow. “Their dedication and belief in students like me truly mattered,” he said. He also thanked his advisor, LaToya Aultman, who “was like a big sister.” “Her encouragement—whether over Zoom or during unscheduled campus check-ins—reminded me that I could do this.”

What Gordon said he’ll miss most about Kingsborough is the feeling of discovery and the community that quietly cheered him on. “It’s more than just a community college,” he said. “It’s a launching pad packed with resources and caring professors who genuinely want to see you win.”

Outside of school, Gordon volunteers with the Glory of God Global Ministry food pantry and finds peace in rest and reflection. He’s a vegan and a chef—someone who enjoys preparing meat dishes even if he doesn’t eat them.

Looking ahead, he’s exploring careers in law enforcement, EMS, or the Coast Guard. He’s also considering continuing his education in psychology or nutrition. “Whatever path allows me to better serve my community,” he said.

In 10 years, Gordon hopes to be “a seed planter”—someone who helps guide the next generation of difference-makers, especially in underserved communities. “There are people waiting to be inspired by you. You never know the kind of impact you can have on someone’s life,” he said. “Kingsborough showed me that.”

“Coming back didn’t feel like I’d returned—it felt like I was starting over,” he said. “And I maximized the opportunity to the fullest. I am proud of this journey—and more than ready for what’s next.”