From Humble Beginnings to MacArthur Genius by Donna Justice January 15, 2017 Alumni News José Quiñonez’s story starts in rural Mexico in 1971. Fast-forward to fall 2016: Quiñonez (B.A., Chicano/a Studies, ’94) is awarded a 2016 MacArthur Genius Grant for his innovative work in poverty alleviation.