William J. Clinton Presidential Center News

Riverfest Announces Expansion of 2012 International Village and Cultural Fair

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

The International Village at Riverfest is expanding to become part of a free Family Zone, organizers announced today. The International Village is an ongoing partnership between Riverfest and two global non-profit organizations: the William J. Clinton Foundation and Heifer International.

Created in 2005 to educate festival-goers about different cultures and ethnicities through arts and music, the theme of International Village is "Festivals of the World," highlighting Brazil, Germany, the United States, Japan, Spain and Mexico.

"The mission of Riverfest is to produce a quality, recreational, cultural, educational, family-oriented celebration of the visual and performing arts for the benefit of the community," said Riverfest Executive Director DeAnna Korte. "Expansion of the International Village and the addition of the Family Zone is a reflection of this emphasis, as well as Riverfest's continued...

Clinton Center Announces Winner of "Ideas Matter" Essay Contest

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

The William J. Clinton Foundation is proud to announce the 2011 winner of its annual “Ideas Matter” essay contest. Berryville High School’s Ben Harris submitted the winning essay and will receive a $2,500 scholarship.

Each year, the Foundation awards the scholarship to the Arkansas high school student who best answers a specific writing prompt. This year, students were asked to respond (in 500 words or less) to this prompt: “There are many domestic issues (i.e., health care, debt, etc.) that our country faces. Choose and...

Statement from the Clinton Family on the Passing of Dorothy Rodham

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Dorothy Howell Rodham was born in Chicago on June 4, 1919 and died shortly after midnight on November 1, 2011 in Washington, D.C., surrounded by her family. Her story was a quintessentially American one, largely because she wrote it herself. She overcame abandonment and hardship as a young girl to become the remarkable woman she was – a warm, generous and strong woman; an intellectual; a woman who told a great joke and always got the joke; an extraordinary friend and, most of all, a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Dorothy is and always will be lovingly remembered by her daughter and son-in-law, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bill Clinton; her sons and daughters-in-law, Hugh Rodham and Maria Rodham and Tony Rodham and Megan Rodham; her grandchildren, Chelsea Clinton and her husband Marc Mezvinsky, Zachary Rodham, Fiona Rodham and Simon Rodham. She leaves behind many friends from all stages and places...

Clinton Foundation Partners with St. Louis Cardinals for Baseball Exhibit in Spring 2012

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Oct. 27, 2011) -- The William J. Clinton Presidential Center announces its upcoming temporary exhibit, "Play Ball! The St. Louis Cardinals," a celebration of America's pastime. Especially timely, the exhibit features baseball memorabilia from the St. Louis Cardinals - who will play the Texas Rangers in game six of the 2011 World Series tonight - and the Arkansas Travelers, the AA Affiliate for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1966 to 2000.

"The timing is impeccable," said Stephanie S. Streett, executive director of the William J. Clinton Foundation. "Arkansans are paying special attention to this year's World Series, and we are thrilled to partner with the Cardinals' Organization to bring this exhibit to Little Rock on the heels of their National League (and possible World Series) championship!"

Opening on March 3, 2012, "Play Ball" is a partnership with the St. Louis...

Statement by President and Secretary Clinton on the Passing of First Lady Betty Ford

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of First Lady Betty Ford. As a staunch advocate for women's and equal rights, Betty paved the way for generations of women to follow. Her courage, compassion, and commitment to helping our nation deal with drug and alcohol abuse and addiction helped thousands of people to a successful recovery and in the process she helped to save countless families. We were honored to host President and Mrs. Ford at the White House in 1998 when they received the Congressional Gold Medal for their dedication and service to our nation.

Betty was a remarkable woman whose legacy will live on in people around the country whose lives are longer and better because of her work. Our thoughts and prayers are with her children and grandchildren. We are grateful for her contributions, and for her kindness to us. We will miss her."

The Center hosts Hoop Jams

Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Arkansas Baptist College (ABC) have joined together to bring Hoop Jams, a two-day, three-on-three basketball tournament, to central Arkansas. Arkansas native and Atlanta Hawk Joe Johnson will serve as honorary chairman.

"The Clinton Center and ABC share a common commitment to the community," said Stephanie S. Streett, executive director of the Clinton Foundation. "ABC and the Clinton Center created Hoop Jams to help fund their missions, including inspiring Arkansans to achieve their hopes - and hoops - and dreams."

Net proceeds from Hoop Jams will benefit educational outreach and community development programs of both entities.

Team registration begins today. Registration fee is $80 - $100 per team (based on division) and can be submitted via mail, fax or online at www.hoopjamslr.com. Deadline is May 27, 2011, or until all spots are...

Center Awards Honorary Two Millionth Visitor

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

To watch the video from the event, click here.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 7, 2011) -- The William J. Clinton Presidential Center awarded the title of "Honorary Two Millionth Visitor" to two worthy Arkansas public servants at a ceremony in the lobby of the Center on Thursday, April 7, 2011. Dr. Ann Robinson, professor and director of UALR's Center for Gifted Education, and Gerald Cound, director of Village Commons, were chosen by a panel of employees and volunteers from the Clinton Foundation and students of the Clinton School of Public Service.

The winners were selected based on written recommendations submitted by friends, family members or colleagues who described in 200 words or less why their nominee exemplified public service. The contest was originally designed to recognize one "Honorary Two...

Kumpuris Lecture Series

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

This is a series that brings national and international figures to Little Rock to speak on important issues. Established with a $500,000 matching gift from the Kumpuris Family in honor of their mother and in memory of their father, the lecture series is presented by the Clinton Foundation, the Clinton School and AT&T.

Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, September 30, 2011

Clinton Foundation Celebrates President Clinton's 10 Year Anniversary as a Private Citizen

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Today, the William J. Clinton Foundation launched a year-long multi-faceted campaign marking the 10-year anniversary of President Clinton leaving office and beginning his work as a private citizen. Throughout 2011, the Clinton Foundation will celebrate “A Decade of Difference,” highlighting the measurable impact President Clinton has made to raise awareness, inspire action, and improve lives in the areas of global and domestic health, public service and philanthropy, economic empowerment and sustainable development, peace and reconciliation, and climate and energy.

President Clinton has had an active post-presidency, working in the areas that he cared about most during his career in public service. To learn more about the campaign, read the decade's top ten accomplishments, and view a video of President Clinton talking about the most memorable moments from the last ten years, visit

"Haiti: Building Back Better" Exhibit Explores the Complex History and Rich Heritage of Haiti

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600

The William J. Clinton Presidential Center's temporary exhibit, "Haiti: Building Back Better" celebrates the people and culture of Haiti as the nation recovers from the devastating earthquake one year ago today. Open until Feb. 6, 2011, the exhibit highlights the history of Haiti, Haitian arts and culture, President Clinton's presidential and post-presidential involvement with the country, and earthquake recovery efforts.

"Today, we mark the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake, we planned this exhibit not only to address the tragedy and the rebuilding efforts, but also to highlight the rich history and culture of this remarkable country and it's resilient people," said Stephanie S. Streett, Executive Director of the Clinton Foundation.

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