WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Barack Obama presented the Oberlin Conservatory of Music with the 2009 National Medal of Arts at the White House on Thursday.

David H. Stull, Dean of the Conservatory at Oberlin, accepted the award in the East Room.

"The Conservatory of Oberlin's recognition by President Obama with the highest award in the nation is very important," Stull said in a telephone interview. "It was a privilege to accept the award, but I accepted it on behalf of all of our staff, faculty and alumni, past and present."

Created in 1984, the National Medal of Arts is the highest award given by the U.S. government to individuals and organizations that encourage the arts.

Many of the conservatory's graduates and staff have won several awards ranging from the Grammys to international competitions.

The Oberlin Conservatory of Music is the only professional music school to be honored this year. Others honored Thursday include actor/director Clint Eastwood; soprano Jessye Norman; singer/songwriter Bob Dylan; graphic designer Milton Glaser; architect/sculptor Maya Lin, singer/dancer/actress Rita Moreno; and the School of American Ballet.

Oberlin College will also be celebrating April 30 and May 1 the opening of the Litoff Building. Attending will be Stevie Wonder and Bill Cosby.