Byrd’s influence etched in WVU’s history

His name adorns bridges, school buildings and highways across West Virginia as well as West Virginia University's Health Sciences Center, showing his legacy in the WVU community.

West Virginia Sen. Robert C. Byrd, 92, was the longest serving Democratic senator, with nine terms totaling 51 years.

"Senator Byrd was one of the transforming influences at WVU since its founding," said President Emeritus and WVU professor of Law David Hardesty. "Even the roads that lead people to WVU are part of his handy work. It's almost impossible to innumerate all the projects he has helped us to get."

Byrd made key efforts in funding for WVU, including the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, the PRT, the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center and the WVU Eye Institute, among others

"West Virginia has lost a great friend and champion in Sen. Robert C. Byrd," said WVU President James P. Clements, in a press release. "He embodied what we hold so dear in the Mountain State: loyalty, commitment, hard work, honesty and faith. I respect so much all that he has done for West Virginia, West Virginia University and the entire nation.

Byrd was well known for being a Constitutional scholar as he always carried a pocket sized Constitution. He frequently celebrated Constitution Day at the WVU College of Law.

"Senator Byrd was not only a great senator and a lawyer, but he was also a historian and cared very deeply about the study of United States History, particularly Constitutional history," said Joyce McConnell, dean of the College of Law. "I regard Senator Byrd as Congress's Constitutional scholar and conscious."

Born Cornelius Calvin Sale Jr. Nov. 20, 1917, in North Wilkesboro, N.C., Byrd was the youngest of five children. At the age of 1, his mother died and his father sent him to live with his aunt and uncle who renamed him and moved to the coal-mining town of Stotesbury, W.Va. He didn't learn his original name until he was 16 and his real birthday until he was 54.

WVU Student Government Association President Chris Lewallen had trouble putting into words what Byrd meant to the state and the University.

He said the loss of such a high-ranking politician will have a huge financial impact on the state and the University.

"It's a sad day for West Virginia," Lewallen said. "The impact, and the influence he had in congress for all those years won't be matched by anyone in the near future. It's a shame to lose somebody that great."

Byrd's efforts to fund the Forensics and Healthcare programs at WVU stand out from his many contributions, said WVU Board of Governor's Chairwoman Carolyn Long. She said Byrd was not only a leader and scholar, but also a great friend to the University.

"I'm not sure you can put into word what he meant (to WVU)," Long said. "He will be greatly missed in the state, but I hope he is at peace now with his wife."

Byrd left two daughters. His wife, Erma, of 69 years, passed away in 2006.

Gov. Joe Manchin will appoint someone to fill Byrd's Senate seat until 2012.

His body will lie in repose in the West Virginia State Capitol's Rotunda from 9 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday. The memorial service is set for 11:30 a.m. Friday at the North Plaza.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will attend the memorial service.

Manchin is giving state government employees the day off Friday and declared it a day of observance in Byrd's honor.

Byrd will be laid to rest Tuesday in Arlington, Va., near his wife.

The AP contributed to this report.