School of Policy and Politics director R. Scott Crichlow, West Virginia University president Gordon Gee and West Virginia University Libraries dean Jon E. Cawthorne smile as U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller speaks. The John D. Rockefeller IV Gallery and the John D. Rockefeller Archives were dedicated and designated on Saturday. West Virginia University will also name its School of Policy and Politics after the senator.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A retiring U.S. senator visited the state in an official capacity Saturday for the last time while still in office.
During a presentation at the Charles C. Wise Library at West Virginia University, U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., formally presented a gift to the university. WVU President Gordon Gee announced the naming of the John D. Rockefeller School of Policy and Politics at the university.
Rockefeller was elected to the state House of Delegates in 1966. He became a U.S. senator in 1985.
Gee said that the academic programs at the school’s political science, public administration, international studies and leadership studies are topics that Rockefeller distinguished himself as a senator representing West Virginia and over the course of his life.
“Establishment of the Rockefeller School of Policy and Politics will enable West Virginia University to have a much greater impact on policy development and implementation at local, state, national and international levels,” Gee said. “It will also provide improved academic and experiential opportunities for our students and for our faculty.”
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was also present and explained various ways Rockefeller had helped West Virginians and the United States through various programs.
“Some senators leave their mark on their state, some on their country and some on the world,” Manchin said. “Jay Rockefeller left his mark on all three…
