Emmy Award-winning journalist speaks to BGSU, community

John Quiñones talks with students Jan. 30 in Olscamp Hall.

John Quiñones,Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-anchor of the ABC newsmagazine “Primetime,” visited BGSU Jan. 29 and 30, making quite an impact on those who had a chance to hear him speak.

On Jan. 29, he spoke to a near-capacity crowd at the Lenhart Grand Ballroom in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. Quiñones spent the evening talking about his journey to becoming a successful journalist as a Latino in America.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Quiñones did not know any English until he started the first grade. But from that moment on, he said, he was determined to learn it. Once in high school, one of Quiñones’s teachers convinced him to join the school newspaper. After high school, he went on to St. Mary’s University in Texas to pursue his broadcast journalism degree.

Quiñones told the audience he would practice his broadcasting voice every chance he could get, even practicing in the bathroom during a break at work. Determination landed him a spot at the Columbia School of Journalism in New York City where he received his master’s degree.

“As a broadcast journalism major, it was inspiring to see how he climbed all the way to the top of the profession. He made me realize that my goals and dreams are possible,” said Hannah Hilyard, a senior at BGSU.

After winning an Emmy in Chicago, Quiñones went on to ABC, he said, where he has traveled the world shining a light on people and their stories.

The following day, Quiñones sat down with WBGU-TV host Steve Kendall in 101 Olscamp Hall to talk with students about his experiences as a journalist and the choices he has made in his career.

His visit was part of the University’s celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  To learn about other Black History Month events, visit bgsu.edu/blackhistorymonth.