West Virginia University student Shannon Waliser, a dual degree candidate in the Master of Public Administration and the Master in Social Work programs, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious Lewis McManus Fellowship offered by the West Virginia House of Delegates. She will serve as a legislative intern for the duration of the 2004-2005 academic year. The MPA and MSW programs are housed within the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
“From my interview with the Intern Committee of the House of Delegates, I understand my responsibilities as the McManus Fellow will include but are not limited to participation in committee staff meetings, researching and drafting legislation and resolutions, support work, educating committee members to various policy issues, constituent communication, presentation of bills and preparing press releases,”said Waliser, a native of Hamilton, Mont.
The Lewis McManus Fellowship is offered each year to one second-year, full-time graduate student pursuing the Master of Public Administration degree or Master of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Administration through WVU , Marshall University, or the two universitiesjoint program. The student will be granted one years tuition and fees at his or her university and will be provided with a stipend during the legislative session.
The fellowship is named after Lewis”Lew”McManus, a Beckley native and esteemed politician. He served in the House of Delegates from 1965 to 1976. He was Speaker of the House from March 13, 1971, through 1976. He continued his dedication to state government by serving as a political analyst for West Virginia Public Televisions yearly broadcast on the final night of the legislative session. McManus was appointed executive secretary of the Public Employees Retirement System in 1977.
“It is my intent to stay in West Virginia after I graduate. I am excited about the possibilities that I imagine will arise from my experience as the McManus Fellow with the House of Delegates,”Waliser said.
