It’s the stuff that dreams are made of –a trip to London, a royal wedding and the opportunity to report it all for CNN.
For Rosen College of Hospitality Management alumnus, Jason Sauter, the dream became a reality. CNN selected Sauter, 24, to hop across the pond and serve as an iReporter covering the royal wedding after he submitted the winning video out of more than 400 contest entries.
“This was my first time abroad,” shares Sauter, “and I will remember this passport stamp forever!”
His submission, “In the Eyes of the Men”, featured a reporting perspective from the viewpoint of males like him whose girlfriends were very enthusiastic about the royal nuptials. Focusing mainly on the male perspective on the street, Sauter uncovered buzz that is typically overlooked in mainstream coverage. His girlfriend, Nancy Vidarte, accompanied him on the trip, which Sauter described as very special.
Other notable personalities were be at Sauter’s side. “It was amazing standing next to Anderson Cooper and the crew at CNN helping to cover this historical event,” shares Sauter.
He earned his degree in Hospitality Management with UCF in 2008, and presently serves as guest relations manager for Walt Disney World Resort. He serves as a periodic guest speaker to the Theme Park Management classes on the topics of the theme park, leadership and career development. He describes, “This is one of my favorite things to do – I love coming back to the best college in the world to speak with students that are in the same shoes I was in not too long ago.” He has now had the opportunity to speak on a much larger stage.
Sauter is currently pursuing his MBA and studied broadcast news with the University of Texas at Arlington. He recently applied his on-camera skills on CNN’s American Morning, HLN’s Showbiz Tonight and was scheduled to appear live from London on CNN Newsroom and American Morning.
The public can view Sauter’s CNN iReports at tinyurl.com/jasonsauter.