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HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Feb. 15, 2011 – The lead producer for CNN’s “Impact Your World” initiative, Coker College alumnus Christopher Dawson, has been honored with the 2011 Global Media Award for the positive impact his work has had in the lives of the victims of last year’s earthquake and its aftermath in Haiti.

ShelterBox USA founder Tom Henderson presented the award for “delivering thorough and accurate coverage of the relief efforts that took place immediately following the earthquake in Haiti” at an evening reception at the Liaison Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, Feb. 10.

“Following one of the most devastating earthquakes in the western hemisphere, Dawson worked tirelessly to provide CNN viewers worldwide with in depth stories, detailed listings on ways to help by various methods, currencies and actions, and to help produce the Larry King Live Haiti telethon,” Henderson said. “He has kept attention on this story as Haiti has transitioned from rescue to recovery, detailing the flooding, the cholera outbreak and the need for more aid.”

Dawson, who has been at CNN for the last 5 years, after working in Los Angeles as a television producer, has a long record working tirelessly and of immersing himself in his work.  He came to Coker College from his hometown of Peachtree City, Ga., with both academic and athletic scholarships, and he excelled in both arenas.  Besides double majoring in drama and psychology, he served on the Coker College Student Government Association as Head Commissioner and played four years of varsity soccer. 

Asked to pick a single college experience that has proved to be especially helpful to him, Dawson points immediately to the school’s distinctive roundtable discussions.

“Coker’s roundtable learning made the difference for me.  Not only did it educate through an exploring discussion and intellectual debate, it also gave me a seat at the table and a voice of equal weight.  I have pulled up a chair to every challenge I have found since,” Dawson said.

“At Coker you have to participate and be a player on the field of learning. That’s what makes you ready for the future.”

For more information about CNN’s Impact Your World initiative in Haiti, visit http://edition.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/01/12/aid.workers.haiti/index.html.

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Photo Caption:  Christopher Dawson, CNN producer and Tom Henderson, ShelterBox founder. Photo by Joyce Boghosian

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Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the “Best Colleges” in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.

ShelterBox is an international aid organization that provides shelter and life-saving equipment for victims of disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes, cyclones, tsunamis or conflicts.  With support from individual US citizens and organizations, including Rotary Clubs, other service and community groups, schools, religious groups, businesses and small private foundations, ShelterBox has helped in more than 140 disasters in more than 70 countries.