On Wednesday, April 15, Villanova University hosted the Ignite Your Strengths Speaker Series: Anchored in Strengths: The Power to Build What’s Next in Driscoll Hall. This event featured Keith Jones, a 2007 graduate of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, who shared how his CliftonStrengths have influenced him throughout his life.
Before the event began, the lobby of Driscoll Hall was transformed into a networking zone, where students could connect with professionals and Villanova staff members in attendance.
“It was great getting to connect with members of the IYS Engagement Team at Villanova,” junior Riley Kalejta said. “It was interesting to meet individuals who I shared similar strengths with, as well as those with different ones, and hear how each person interprets and applies their strengths in both their personal and professional lives.”
Jones currently serves as a professor in the Communication Department, and is an NBC10 weekday anchor from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on News Today. He has won 16 Emmy Awards and five Edward R. Murrow Awards, and he also anchors the weekly newscast at 11 a.m.
“When I went to Villanova, I took a vow,” Jones said. “I wanted to be the person that I wished that I’d had when I was there. I’m always grateful for opportunities to give back to the campus that gave me so much. So, when Tyra Ford reached out to me asking about my interest in participating, I jumped at the idea. It was a really special night.”
On stage with Jones was Crystal J. Lucky, Ph.D., the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and professor in the English Department. Between Jones and Lucky, the conversation focused on the uses of CliftonStrengths in college and the workforce.
During their conversation, students had the opportunity to ask Jones questions about his strengths. Senior Madison Hodges and junior Nick Osbourne asked specific questions about Jones’ strengths.
“I wanted to get the chance to speak with Mr. Jones and ask him questions about his career,” Osbourne said. “Since he and I share the developer strength, I asked how we can help develop ourselves instead of others. His response made me realize that the same energy I put into others, I also have to put into myself.”
During the event, Jones shared how he became involved in Villanova’s men’s basketball team. It started with a pick-up basketball game and ended with him serving as a student manager for the team. It was the strength of the Villanova community that drove Jones to return as a faculty member.
“Early on, my freshman year, I worried that I didn’t quite fit in,” Jones said. “I was waitlisted. I joined the Villanova basketball family as a student manager, and it taught me time management, and it taught me to live your life for a greater good, to play for the people that came before you and then grow something that’s bigger than yourself. That really, like, did something to me, and I’ve always felt, especially when I graduated, I wanted to go back and teach. I wanted to mentor. That stuff always kind of just fulfilled me. I think that was my thrust to continue to live close to campus [and] to work somewhat close to campus. I know I work on campus. Um, it’s just endlessly fulfilling.”
As Jones’ and Lucky’s conversation concluded, University President Father Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, took the stage to present the Office of Health Promotion with an award for their CliftonStrengths programming.
“This event reinforced for me that CliftonStrengths extends beyond professional development,” Kalejta said. “A common misconception is that these strengths are only relevant in professional settings, but in reality, they play a significant role in our daily lives. Understanding your top five strengths can shape how you communicate, build relationships and navigate challenges, making them valuable for both personal growth and professional success.”
This event helped all those in attendance understand their CliftonStrengths and apply them in both their professional and everyday lives.
