Meet a Roadrunner: Albert Lee transforms into Iron Man
(Feb. 18, 2015) - Meet Iron Man. Most know him as student Albert Lee, but when he pulls on one of the three Iron Man suits he’s custom-made, he transforms into his favorite superhero – someone looking to save the world, or at least make it a little brighter.
A junior international business major, Lee taught himself how to make the custom creations using videos online.
“Creating the suits helps me because I need to be working on multiple projects at one time. Building these suits helps me reach a state of serenity, while balancing work and school,” Lee said.
But the suits he builds are not just for fun, although he admits the projects are just that. Lee creates the suits to help UTSA student organization For the Kids, which hosts a dance marathon each year to raise money for children with cancer.
“Last year was the first time I got involved with FTK,” Lee said. “I wanted to use the suits to help recruit people to the organization, promote the dance marathon and do hospital visits.”
FTK is currently looking for volunteers to help them out and for hospitals they can visit.
With a quiet demeanor, the suits transform Lee into a star. And just like any superhero, he handles the requests for selfies, autographs and general conversation like a pro when he is walking through campus.
“I’ve gotten used to it,” he says about his popularity on campus. “I always love it when people come up and talk to me while I’m in one of the suits.”
Lee has created three Iron Man suits and is working on a fourth. The next one will be motorized, a fun addition he made after he got the hang of developing the foam suits.
Building things has always come naturally to Lee, who started with small hobby sets as a child. He hopes his new, bigger and more advanced creations will take him to an exciting career.
Lee landed an internship last fall with Disney World, which gave him an opportunity to take his creations to the professionals who are already working in his dream job. Every time he met with someone at Disney, he took his portfolio – an electronic handcrafted helmet – with him.
The full suit likely would have been too much.
“It takes about 30 minutes of straps, grunting, sweating and pulling to put it on,” he said with a laugh.
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Events
The UTSA Veteran and Military Office will be holding a social event for our new military-affiliated students to come out and meet our office, staff, and other students.
MB 0.100, Ground Floor Lobby, Main BuildingThe Roadrunner Pantry/Whataburger Resource Room has joined efforts with the campus community for the Move-In Market! Come shop for some great items for your room or apartment to get you started and set up for success. The best part about it--everything is free! Bring your UTSA student ID to receive shopping credits.
Student Union Annex (BK Lot 5 next to Campus Garden)UTSA parents and family members are invited for appetizers and drinks to meet other Roadrunner families following Move-In Week. Students are encouraged to attend Comedy Night and Late Night at the Rec, while family members celebrate their student’s next chapter.
Willie's Roadhouse, 4051 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78257Late Night at the Rec features an evening of fun, games, giveaways, and excitement. It's also a great way to learn about the facilities, recreation programs, and wellness services offered at the Main and Downtown campuses.
Campus Rec Center, Main CampusCome show your Roadrunner Spirit by joining our very own Rowdy, The Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band (SOSA), your fellow students, as we light the Monument at our Main Campus entrance at the stroke of midnight to mark the start of a new academic year.
Main CampusAnnual Giving will host a First Day of School celebration to welcome students back to campus. We will have giveaways and photo opportunities.
Sombrilla PlazaA sweet start to the Semester. Join the University College to customize your own sugar cookie while enjoying connecting with other UTSA students.
Airport Lounge (SU 2.02.00D,) Student Union, Main Campus