Gov. Joe Manchin has declared Friday, July 2, as a special day of observance in honor of Sen. Robert C. Byrd, who passed away early Monday at the age of 92.

State employees, including those at West Virginia University and its divisional campuses, will observe the order and provide employees an opportunity to remember and celebrate the life of the state’s senior senator.

“On the eve of this Fourth of July weekend, West Virginia University will join fellow West Virginians—and the nation—in celebrating and honoring the life of our senior senator who has done so much for public and higher education in his lifetime,” said WVU President James P. Clements.

While the University will be closed and classes canceled, health clinics will remain open and some special academic and recreation camps, including 4-H and Extension, will continue to operate.

Faculty teaching one-week summer classes, which end Friday, will receive further information from their respective deans later today (June 30).

In addition, employees in positions considered essential are encouraged to contact their supervisors about work expectations.

Employees who requested annual leave Friday will not be charged for the day and should consult with their supervisor or Expert Business Office.

The public is invited to pay respects to Sen. Byrd starting Thursday, July 1, in Charleston. He will lie in repose at the state Capitol’s Lower Rotunda from 9 p.m. that evening to 9 a.m. Friday.

A public, formal memorial service will also take place at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the state Capitol’s North Plaza. The White House announced Tuesday that President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will attend.

A private family burial will be held Tuesday in Arlington, Va., near his wife, Erma’s, resting place.

For additional information on Friday’s observance and University closing, go to: wvutoday.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

bl/6-30-10

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