ABC’s John Quinones brings perseverance to ULS

Journalist and host of ABC’s “What Would You Do?” John Quiñones, will speak at Wednesday’s University Lecture Series (ULS) event held in the Marshall Student Center Oval Theater. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE

Journalist and host of ABC’s “What Would You Do?” John Quiñones, will speak at Wednesday’s University Lecture Series (ULS) event held in the Marshall Student Center Oval Theater.

Quiñones was chosen by students based on his inspiring journey from poverty to success and his TV show’s focus on doing the right thing in tough situations.

Marion Huntley, coordinator for the Center for Student Involvement at USF, anticipates that students will relate to Quiñones’ “struggle for success.”

“[Quiñones] is just a really great lecturer to have, both because of where he's come from and how he's gotten to be so successful, as well as what he promotes in his show of doing the right thing in tough situations,” she said.

Quiñones grew up in a family of Hispanic American migrant farmers.  While in high school, he participated in “Upward Bound,” a federal college prep program aimed to help inner-city students.

After graduating from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, Quiñones completed his master’s degree in journalism at Columbia University.

Quiñones worked for various radio and television stations before starting his career at ABC.  He currently reports for several ABC news programs and hosts “What Would You Do?,” a hidden-camera show that explores the bystander effect in acted-out scenarios.

Huntley hopes that the speech will motivate students who are struggling as midterms come to an end.

“Students are feeling a little down at this point in the semester… they feel a little overwhelmed and coming to this lecture would definitely uplift them and make them realize, ‘Okay i can do anything, I can get through this semester and become a successful professional,” she said.

Quiñones will receive $27,000 for this event, which includes a meet and greet with student leaders, his keynote speech and a question-and-answer session.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m.  The event is free and has limited seating, of which USF students will have priority.