As Elijah “Eli” Gordon ‘24 graduated from Wilkes, his father, Ivan Gordon, began his tenure on the board of trustees. Eli Gordon, a graduate of the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, recently came back to campus with his father – not only to take part in the Homecoming festivities and for Ivan Gordon to begin his work on the board – but also to partner in a presentation to students for the Sidhu School. Together, the father and son duo fielded questions from an audience of undergraduate students during a student-led panel, exploring a wide range of topics including business philosophy, the importance of mentorship and the value of giving back.
The discussion, led by business management majors, also centered around leadership, the idea of success and how they, from their respective positions, define that term.
“Own your own path,” said Ivan Gordon, advising students to be determined, focused and handle the tasks at hand while following an independent spirit. Just beginning his professional career, Eli Gordon is redefining his own concept of success and concluded, “Success is what makes you happy. If you’re open to change and learning, success can come to anyone.”
Though Eli Gordon is still in the early stages of his career, the future is bright for him. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, he earned his degree in financial investments with a minor in economics. After completing a few internships during his time at Wilkes, he accepted a wealth management rotational position at Raymond James & Associates, where his father works. He lives in Atlanta and recently took on a new role as an investment portfolio specialist in September. In his free time, he writes poetry, reads literature, enjoys music, cycles and participates in the Atlanta Running Club.
During the panel, father and son were asked about the advice they would give to senior students preparing to enter the workforce. “Leverage networks,” said Ivan Gordon, stressing how crucial connections can be in the beginning. Whether these connections are academic mentors, internship advisors or colleagues from previous jobs, learning to connect with people is critical, especially early on. As for Eli Gordon, he advised, “Be a sponge,” emphasizing the value of listening and being eager to learn. Other topics addressed by the panel included the role of artificial intelligence in business, the need for community involvement and the high value they placed on emotional intelligence.
Seeing the students before him in the audience, Eli Gordon reflected on his time, knowing he was sitting in those same seats not that long ago. What drew him to Wilkes was not only his love for the area in which he used to visit every Thanksgiving to be with family, but also the small classroom size, the personal attention this afforded him as a student and the ability to take advantage of these factors, while also playing collegiate soccer.
“Everyone knows everyone. No matter where you go, you see someone you know, and this adds a degree of comfort,” he says. “It helps in the classroom because you form intimate relationships with professors and actually have a voice,” he adds.
For Ivan Gordon, it was seeing his son thrive at Wilkes that inspired him to become more involved and accept a position on the board of trustees. He recognized that his son’s experience at Wilkes was unique and special, much different than his own experience at a large state university. “Attending college was a great experience for me, but I never felt a connection to my school,” he says. “I never had interactions like I saw with Eli and his professors.”
Ivan Gordon earned his BA in history and economics from the University of Tennessee, where he played soccer and graduated with honors. Postgrad, he co-founded ATS Professional Services, an executive search firm. In 2004, he took a position with Smith Barney, serving as vice president of investments. In 2009, he joined Raymond James & Associates, where he currently serves as managing director of wealth management. He resides in Jacksonville, Florida, serves on the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast Metro Board, is a member of the San Marco Preservation Society and has been recognized multiple times as a Forbes Best In-State Wealth Advisor. When he isn’t working, he enjoys cycling, traveling and spending time with his family and close friends.
A believer in giving back, Ivan Gordon is eager to contribute to the board at Wilkes, offering his guidance and expertise to make a meaningful impact on the University and its students. “I am very excited to be on the board but will go in with a level of humility about what I don’t know,” he says. “I am hoping to add value and go in with the perspective of ‘Wide eyes, open ears.’”
Both father and son seem excited about the prospect of what their futures hold in store for them. Coming to campus was an invaluable way for Eli Gordon to speak to students as an alumnus and young professional, and an opportunity for Ivan Gordon to engage with the overall campus community. At the conclusion of the panel, one student posed the question: “What would you go back and change if you could?” After some careful consideration, Ivan Gordon responded, “I wouldn’t change anything. My past is what brought me here, and I look forward to the future.” Eli Gordon quickly concurred, “Go forward.”