The Watson Executive-in-Residence Program was founded by Thomas Watson ’57, a DelVal alumnus with a passion for education and exposing students to the varied experiences and pathways of industry leaders. Although Watson started out in pharmaceutical sales, he found his calling in advertising and became a founder of Omnicom, one of the world’s largest advertising firms. The Watson Program includes a speaker series that focuses on preparing students for the business world. Executives spend a day on campus to share candid advice and lessons from their careers through a public presentation and by meeting with individual students. Additionally, each semester a student is awarded a Watson scholarship and is afforded the opportunity to introduce the visiting executive speaker.
Tom Watson '57 earned his bachelor’s degree from DelVal before graduating from Hofstra University’s Zarb School of Business with his MBA. His illustrious career in global advertising business includes co-founding the Omnicom Group and Omnicom University, now valued at $19 billion, and serving as its Vice-Chairman and Dean. After graduating from DelVal, Watson’s professional career began in pharmaceutical sales with Abbott Laboratories and Merck, and later evolved into a management role at BBDO, a worldwide advertising agency network and the lead agency in the formation of Omnicom. In 2005, Watson served as DelVal’s commencement speaker and received an honorary doctorate degree. Watson became known for his belief of investing in people and helping people reach their full potential, and in 2006 he founded the Watson Executive In-Residence (WEIR) program at DelVal. Since founding the WEIR program over 18 years ago, Watson has spent time on campus mentoring many students and has helped award over $120,000 in scholarships to students at DelVal. Dr. Watson, a native New Yorker, is married to the actress, singer, writer and producer, Judee Wales.
Previous Speakers
Watson Adventures, LLC
Bret Watson, Founder and CEO of Watson Adventures, LLC, and Stacy King, General Manager of Watson Adventures, were speakers for DelVal’s Watson Executive-in-Residence program. Watson Adventures offers unique team-building activities including scavenger hunts, trivia games, and murder mystery games, as well as virtual team-building activities and games that connect home offices. Since its inception in 1999, Watson Adventures has grown to span the nation, with more than 500,000 people participating in hunts, including the employees of thousands of prestigious corporations. All the while, Watson Adventures’ scavenger hunts have received more media raves and other acclaim than any other company of its kind. Bret and Stacy presented, "How to Start a Business with No Money". Read more here.
Dr. Randall Pinkett
Dr. Pinkett is an established entrepreneur, innovator, speaker, author, and media personality. He is an expert in several areas relating to emerging technologies, “big data” analytics, social innovation, culture, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and is a regular contributor on MSNBC, CNN, and Fox Business News. Dr. Pinkett discussed "The Three Essential Mindsets to Compete in the 21st Century”.
Kathy Killian, Vice President of Administration for the Philadelphia Phillies
Killian is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the sports/entertainment industry. Students asked questions, networked and interacted with Killian during the visit.
Alumni Panel: Francis Arnold ’16, Chief of Staff at Vanguard, Jessica Rotondo ’17, student at The University of Baltimore School of Law, Nico Sferra ’17, analyst for strategic accounts at AmerisourceBergen, Steven Wodock ’07, Chief Financial Officer at Fox Group
The alumni panel included four past recipients of the Watson scholarship. The goal of the alumni panel was to talk openly about the transition from DelVal to a career. All of the alumni spoke of mentors they found in professors and other connections through DelVal. They encouraged students to meet with professors outside of class because they are able to provide long-term support.
Stephen Flavell ’04
Stephen Flavell ’04, chief operating officer for the Executive Education Academy Charter School (EEACS) in Allentown, gave his lecture entitled “What Perseverance and 189 Nights in Hotels Does for a Career” to DelVal faculty and students, as well as visiting high school students from the EEACS.
