[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 6 (Monday, February 9, 1998)]
[Page 189]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Death of Roger Stevens

February 3, 1998

    Hillary and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of our dear 
friend Roger Stevens. He will long be remembered as a defining force in 
America's cultural life.
    As founding chairman of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 
Roger can be credited with spotlighting our Nation's Capital as a haven 
for the performing arts. The Kennedy Center, one of America's finest 
cultural showcases, might never have been built if it weren't for 
Roger's dedication and energy. His love of the arts led him to produce 
more than 200 plays, including ``West Side Story,'' ``Bus Stop,'' and 
``Deathtrap.'' Roger served as the first Chairman of the National 
Endowment for the Arts, and won numerous awards for his dedication to 
highlighting the performing arts, including the Presidential Medal of 
Freedom (1988), the National Medal of Arts (1988), the Kennedy Center 
Honors (1988), and the National Artists' Medal (1983).
    Our Nation is mourning the loss of this important cultural figure. 
Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family in this sad 
time.