Mr. Cheek received the award at a dinner last night in Wilmington, N.C.
His comments came during a session when he and others who were scheduled to receive the awards at a dinner tonight fielded students' questions.
Each is to receive $25,000 and a Smithsonian Medal at a dinner in Washington on Oct. 19.
A board of 12 judges selected the 1991 winners, who will receive their prizes next month at a dinner in New York.
Adolf Busemann also received an award at a special dinner.
Mr. Kluge, the chairman of Metromedia Inc., will receive the medal at a dinner in the Low Memorial Library.
In May, Mr. Messier received the annual humanitarian award from the Tolerance museum in Los Angeles at a dinner that raised $1.8 million.
The two men will receive their awards at a dinner on May 9 in connection with the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies in Springfield, Mass.
Griggs received his award from McCartney at a dinner in London.
Brown will receive the award at a dinner of the Atlanta Tipoff Club tomorrow.