Danny Staggers reflects on the lasting impact both his father and the College had on his professional success during a recent visit to the Keyser campus.
More than four decades after Harley Staggers concluded his distinguished career in Congress, his legacy continues to create opportunities for students in the region he proudly called home.
A new planned gift from his son, Danny Staggers, will strengthen the Harley O. Staggers Sr. Scholarship at West Virginia University Potomac State College, ensuring that future generations of students benefit from a scholarship established in honor of one of West Virginia's most accomplished and influential public servants.
“Harley Staggers dedicated his life to serving others and creating opportunities that strengthened communities across West Virginia and beyond," Jerry Wallace, president of WVU Potomac State College, said. "This extraordinary planned gift reflects those same values. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Staggers for ensuring that the Harley O. Staggers Sr. Scholarship will continue to support students for generations to come while honoring the legacy of a man whose impact is still felt throughout our region."
Born in Keyser in 1907, Harley Staggers dedicated his life to service. After graduating from Emory and Henry College, pursuing graduate studies at Duke University and serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he represented West Virginia's Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1949 to 1981.
During his three decades in Congress, he became one of the state's most influential lawmakers, serving as chairman of the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce and helping shape national transportation policy. Yet despite his national influence, Staggers remained deeply connected to his Mineral County roots and the community that helped shape him.
Reflecting his connection to the region, the Staggers Scholarship supports Potomac State College students, with preference given to student-athletes from Mineral County.
For Danny Staggers, the planned gift is a meaningful way to honor both his father and a legacy that continues to make a difference in the lives of students.
“He was a wonderful father and person,” Staggers said. “He always tried to help others.”
The scholarship's impact is measured not only in dollars awarded, but in the opportunities it creates. For students balancing coursework, jobs and financial responsibilities, scholarship support can provide the freedom to focus on academics, campus involvement and future aspirations.
For Griffin Paugh, a recipient of the Harley O. Staggers Sr. Scholarship, that support has made a meaningful difference. A two-year member of the WVU Potomac State College men's cross country team, Paugh earned his associate degree in criminal justice while competing at the national level, including appearances at the NJCAA National Championship.
"Receiving the Harley O. Staggers Sr. Scholarship meant a lot to me, especially being from Keyser and having graduated from Keyser High School," Paugh said. "I first started running on the road in Keyser named after him. Being able to continue my education in my hometown at Potomac State College with the support of a scholarship named after someone with such strong ties to our community made it even more meaningful.”
Paugh won the NJCAA Region 20 Division II Men's Cross Country Championship and set the NJCAA Region 2 course record during his time at Potomac State College. Today, he serves as a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and is currently stationed overseas in the Middle East.
“The scholarship helped take some of the financial pressure off pursuing my degree, allowing me to focus on both academics and athletics,” Paugh said. “Those experiences taught me a lot about discipline, perseverance and balancing multiple responsibilities, and those are lessons I have carried with me into the Marine Corps."
While each student's story is unique, all scholarship recipients share a connection to the legacy Staggers spent a lifetime building. Through educational opportunity, the scholarship continues the spirit of service and investment in future generations that defined his career.
The Staggers planned gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities.