CNN News anchor Anderson Cooper was named "Wonk of The Year" by American University.
The university created the award last year to recognize someone who embodies the characteristics valued at the school. Cooper received the title of 2013's "Wonk of the Year" because he is "smart, passionate, focused, and engaged," according to university officials.
"Whether keeping them honest in Washington, or reporting from some of the most dangerous places on this planet, Anderson Cooper uses intellect and inquiry to further our understanding of the issues that matter most," American University President Neil Kerwin said.
The university's Kennedy Political Union, a student group, presented Cooper with the award on Saturday at the university's Bender Arena.
The inaugural winner of this award was Bill Clinton in 2012.
"It's a great honor to be named 'Wonk of the Year,'" Anderson said. "To know that former president was the wonk last year, I certainly feel in good company."
At the award ceremony, Cooper spoke to students about his early years in college and how hard it was to get an entry-level job post college. When the Berlin Wall fell, Cooper decided to create his own opportunity and "made a fake press pass, and ...borrow a camera."
He also described how his brother's suicide fueled his dedication to telling the stories of people living in war-torn countries, and his ability to empathize with people's suffering.
"I wanted to be around other people who spoke the language of loss," he told university students at the award ceremony. "I found when I went to wars, when I went to places where terrible things were happening, life felt very real there, and very precious."
He also expressed a desire to give a voice to the voiceless.
"There's great value in learning the names of people whose lives are lost, and remembering them and honoring them," he said.
Launched in 2010, the wonk campaign has a strong presence on the American University campus and through Washington D.C.
