Congressman Clyburn, Senator Graham to receive 2011 Global Vision Award | News

The Columbia World Affairs Council has named South Carolina’s two senior statesmen as its Global Vision Award recipients for 2011.

Congressman Jim Clyburn and Senator Lindsey Graham will be honored at a black-tie gala on Monday, October 10 at the Columbia Marriott. This is the 18th year the Columbia World Affairs Council has presented the award to those whose vision has had a significant impact on South Carolina and helped project the state globally.

“Congressman Clyburn and Senator Graham may come from different political parties, but they have a shared vision for our state and have worked together to advance our state in global competitiveness,” said Fred Monk, chairman emeritus of the Columbia World Affairs Council and chair of the selection committee.

“Both Congressman Clyburn and Senator Graham come from humble beginnings and have worked tirelessly throughout their careers for the betterment of our people,” he said. “And when challenges have occurred where we needed to come together as a state, they have come together for South Carolina.”

In recent years in particular, they worked together to ensure that Boeing became a new cornerstone of South Carolina’s economy. And they have been working together for years to ensure that the Port of Charleston maintains its status as one of the premier ports in the worlds.

Individually, they also have been involved globally representing South Carolina whether it’s personal service in Afghanistan alongside our troops or trying to create opportunities with countries. In Congress, they are leaders that world figures look up to. 

Congressman Clyburn and Senator Graham have become national and international faces for the United States and South Carolina. They have shown leadership on how to work together to address challenges and solve problems, Monk said.

The Columbia World Affairs Council was established in 1993 to raise the awareness of international activities in the Midlands, to help people connect across the region, to bring distinguished speakers and foreign diplomats to Columbia to address international issues, and to create a bridge to build new international relationships. The council administers the Sister-City program for the City of Columbia and is a member of the Washington-based World Affairs Councils of America.

The Global Vision Award was established in 1994 and the first recipient was Gov. Carroll A. Campbell. Last year, the honor went to Paula Harper Bethea, currently executive director of the South Carolina Education Lottery.

For more about our 2011 recipients and information about the Global Vision Award Dinner, please visit our website at www.columbiawac.org