Some of the greatest legislative leaders of the past are honored and remembered each session through the West Virginia Legislature’s Internship Programs. These programs provide a great experience for tomorrow’s best and brightest future leaders. The Legislative Internship Programs employ more than 70 full-time college students who meet a number of qualifications, including good academic standing, from West Virginia’s public and private colleges and universities. The length of these internships range from a week to an entire year, allowing students to gain a valuable educational experience. These students have the opportunity to work one on one with many state leaders while learning the intricacies of the legislative process. The newest addition to the legislative internship program is the McManus Fellowship. Lewis McManus had a compelling career in the Legislature as a Delegate and also as Speaker of the House for multiple terms. He was known for his honesty and courtesy. The West Virginia Legislature remembers his accomplishments and honors him with the foundation of this internship program. The McManus Fellowship will be offered each year to one second-year graduate student who is obtaining a master’s degree in public administration through West Virginia University or Marshall University. The student serves as an intern for one academic year, including regular session and monthly interim meetings. The internship provides the student with one year’s tuition and fees at his or her university. Walter Rollins served the state for more than 20 years as a member of the Legislature. He was a master of parliamentary procedure and was a man with great attention to detail. He was known to read every piece of legislation word for word that was generated each session. He also was known for his strong personality as a great negotiator and a grandfather figure around the statehouse.
The Walter Rollins Scholars Program selects two graduate students to study and work with those officials of the Senate and House of Delegates in the highest positions of leadership. These scholars do independent research within or about the legislative process while assisting leaders with decision making preparations during the session. Robert W. Burk, Jr. was elected at the age of 26 and served for over 13 years in the West Virginia Legislature. Throughout his career he was known as a gentleman willing to work with anyone on any issue regardless of political party affiliation. He was considerate, respectful and considered a true statesman. The Robert W. Burk, Jr. Student Intern Program selects up to four graduate students for placement in the offices of committee chairpersons and other legislative leaders in both bodies. Burk interns have an opportunity to observe the making of policy, analyzing policy and conducting research on issues throughout this internship. Judith A. Herndon, in her 10 years of legislative service, was a leader for tax reform, sunset legislation, and for reduction in the powers of governmental agencies. She was the first female member of the Senate Committee on Rules and was known as a of reason and moderation. The Herndon Interns, who must hold undergraduate standing while having completed 60 hours in any collegiate major, are selected to fill 10 positions. They also must have completed at least one course in political science or public affairs. Herndons are assigned to assist a sole legislator from the Senate or the House of Delegates and perform various research and bill drafting duties, while developing an understanding of the politics of legislation.
Carl M. Frasure served West Virginia University, the state and the nation for more than four decades. He was a life long teacher and an involved citizen in community, state and national service. Julius W. Singleton was a legislator who always was informed and had a keen knowledge of the legislative process. He was elected Speaker of the House and to this day is recalled as one of the greatest Speakers the state has ever seen. He served the public and the members with patience and loyalty. The Frasure-Singleton Internship Program provides full-time undergraduate students an opportunity to observe the state legislative process for one week during the fourth and fifth full weeks of the regular session. Fifty students are selected from 31 public and private institutions of higher education around the state. The program provides an overall view of the legislative process, including both committee and floor activity and an opportunity for legislators to educate the participants on the legislative process. The Legislature’s Reference and Information Center provides an internship for four students majoring in the field of journalism at West Virginia University and Marshall University,
the only two accredited journalism schools in the state. The selected participants work with members of both the Senate and the House of Delegates throughout the session and are assigned to cover floor sessions as well as all aspects of the legislative process, including committee meetings, public hearings and press conferences. They also work on the publication of a weekly newsletter, write news releases and respond to media and citizen requests. The distinguished lawmakers who have been honored through the Legislature’s Intern Programs will be remembered for the contribution to not only the institution they served, but also for their service to all citizens of West Virginia. Through these programs, interns are provided with opportunities that few have had the chance to experience. The students walk away with the unique insight and knowledge of West Virginia’s State Legislature and its functions.
