Colleges & Universities

Veteran journalist and APB speaker John Quiñones of ABC’s What Would You Do? recently received John F. Hogan Award from the RTDNA (Radio Television Digital News Association) for his continuous contributions to the profession of journalism. During his 36-year tenure at ABC working as a reporter, news anchor and television personality, Quiñones always found ways of “adding context and clarity” for viewers, RTDNA chairman Jerry Walsh said. 

Speaker Wil Haygood’s book, Tigerland, is a finalist for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, a prize that recognizes the power of literature in promoting peace and reconciliation. An acclaimed biographer, Pulitzer finalist and award-winning author, Haygood is known for telling the story of America through the lens of history, politics, sports, race and the lives of change-making African Americans.

After the recent mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, speakers and co-founders of March For Our Lives organization, David Hogg and Jaclyn Corin, who are both attending Harvard University this Fall, announced a new initiative for March For Our Lives. Called the “Peace Plan for a Safer America,” the effort maps out a six-part plan to end gun violence. In USA TODAY, Corin said it’s “’A Green New Deal, but for guns.’” Hogg said, “’Policymakers have failed, so survivors are stepping up.’”   

Founder of Catalina magazine, former Washington Post columnist and Fox News correspondent Cathy Areu has been deemed the conservative network’s “Liberal Sherpa.” A frequent guest on the top prime-time show, Tucker Carlson Tonight, she discusses some of today’s most controversial topics, introducing viewpoints to over 80 million people who would have otherwise ignored or disregarded a liberal argument. Emphasizing the importance of civility between herself and the conservative hosts, she states: “We don’t argue. We don’t disrespect one another. I think we’re showing viewers that, if a ‘crazy’ liberal and a strict conservative can discuss hot topics with civility, anyone can.

Speaker Ray Lewis, former linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, NFL hall-of-famer, entrepreneur and activist, has a new venture: becoming America’s dancer. He is joining the cast of Dancing With the Stars for Season 28. Now, his famous pregame “Squirrel Dance” will take center stage on September 16^th at 8 p.m. EST.  

APB speaker John Quiñones and his hit ABC show What Would You Do? returns for its 13^th season on August 9th at 9 p.m. EST. What Would You Do? reveals how people behave when they think no one is watching, by using hidden cameras to record real reactions to thought-provoking scenarios created by actors.

Social activist and contributing editor to Vanity Fair Monica Lewinsky will be producing FX’s latest installment of Impeachment: American Crime Story, which will focus on President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial. About her involvement with the production, Lewinsky said, “I am privileged to have this opportunity,” and that after 20 years, she is finally able to tell her part of the story. She hopes that her experience will highlight the narrative of powerful people taking advantage of those subordinate to them. Impeachment: American Crime Story premieres on Sunday, September 27, 2020.

A beloved Shark on ABC’s Shark Tank, entrepreneur and speaker Daymond John is ranked #16 on a list of the world’s top 50 keynote speakers by Real Leaders magazine. Daymond lands ahead of Oprah Winfrey and is celebrated for his business accomplishments, including turning a $40 budget into FUBU, a $6 billion fashion brand, and his successful investments on Shark Tank.

Best-selling author of The Sports Gene, APB speaker David Epstein published his new book, the #1 NYT best-selling Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World to rave reviews from Malcolm Gladwell, The New York Times, NPR and more.

Paralympic medalist and APB speaker Patrick "Blake" Leeper finished fifth in the 400 meter race at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships this past Saturday, which would qualify him for the world championships team. Born without legs from a congenital birth defect, Leeper has never been one for excuses. He has defied the odds and won countless titles as a Paralympic runner.