‘What Would You Do?’ reporter to speak at DCCC
Emmy award-winner and ABC News journalist John Quiñones will discuss the power of education when he visits Davidson County Community College on Nov. 11 as part of the college’s Distinguished Speaker Series. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to noon in the Rittling Conference Center on the Davidson Campus, 297 DCC Rd. in Thomasville. It is free and open to the public.
Quiñones anchors “What Would You Do,” a highly rated newsmagazine that captures the way people react when confronted with dilemmas. During his nearly 30-year tenure at ABC News, he has reported across programs and platforms, primarily serving as a correspondent for “Primetime” and “20/20.” Having grown up in a poor family of migrant workers, Quiñones eventually became ABC’s first Latino correspondent and a seven-time Emmy Award winner.
During his presentation at DCCC, he will talk to students about pursuing their dreams regardless of socioeconomic barriers, particularly emphasizing the role education played in his success. Lynne Watts, director of student life and leadership, says his message will resonate well with students at DCCC.
“Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and more than half receive some sort of financial aid,” she says. “Mr. Quiñones will talk to students about pursuing their dreams regardless of the obstacles they may face and encourage them to continue their education. After hearing his story, I hope students will embrace the philosophy of working hard to achieve their goals no matter what circumstances they encounter.”
Quiñones received a bachelor’s in speech communications from St. Mary’s University and a master’s from Columbia School of Journalism. He has won numerous awards for reporting on such topics as the Chilean mining disaster in 2010, the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989, the millennium, environmental concerns in the U.S., childhood homelessness and modern slavery in Latin America, and immigration from Mexico.
Following his presentation, Quiñones will offer time for photos and autographs.
The Distinguished Speaker Series is part of an exciting lineup of events open to the community. Events include music, cultural performances and well-known speakers. A full calendar of campus events and activities is available on the college’s website at www.davidsonccc.edu.
