Press Release

New York Public Library Hall Named in Honor of Past President Vartan Gregorian

May 19, 1999, New York City: The New York Public Library honored Vartan Gregorian today by naming the first floor south hall of its landmark building for the respected former Library President. During the Board of Trustees Meeting at the Library earlier today, Trustee Samuel C. Butler succeeded Marshall Rose as Chairman of the Board. In his first official act as Chairman, Mr. Butler presided over the dedication ceremony in the Vartan Gregorian Hall of the Humanities and Social Sciences Library, Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.

"Ordinarily, in a library it is the books and manuscripts that speak," said Mr. Butler. "But now the Trustees and I celebrate and thank Vartan in this dedication in stone that speaks to the continuity of his devotion to this library, for his exemplary leadership and brilliance as its President, and for his steadfast friendship. This records forever our appreciation of all that Vartan Gregorian did to lift The New York Public Library to greatness."

"Dr. Gregorian’s tenure at the Library was one of exceptional brilliance," said Library President Paul LeClerc. "Between 1981 and 1989 he succeeded in bringing to the Library levels of intellectual energy, of change and transformation, and of financial renewal that secured the Library's place as one of the world's most important and beloved centers of learning and culture." Currently, Dr. Gregorian is President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and remains a tireless advocate for educational and cultural organizations throughout the country.

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rchurchill:pro:6/15/99