Joseph R. Steffl Scholarship
Created to honor the vibrant life and legacy of Joseph R. Steffl, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Pocahontas and Randolph Counties who plan to pursue a degree in conservation or medicine at a West Virginia college.
TYPE OF FUND: Scholarship
DATE ESTABLISHED: November 2002
PURPOSE: To honor the memory of Joseph Steffl, a Physician Assistant in Durbin, by providing financial assistance to a graduating senior at high schools in both Pocahontas and Randolph Counties.
DISTRIBUTION: To be determined by the Scholarship Committee of TCF with approval of the Board of Directors. To be awarded to graduating seniors in both Pocahontas County and Randolph County who will attend a college in West Virginia to pursue a degree in either conservation and/or medicine. In Randolph County, the TCF Scholarship Committee will contact the Assistant Superintendent; in Pocahontas County, the Committee will contact the principal of Pocahontas County High School (Rt. 1, Box 133A, Dunmore, WV 24934) for their recommendation of students to be considered for the scholarship.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund. TCF has exclusive legal control over any contributed assets.
FUNDING: Initiated with a donation by his wife, C. Robin Steffl, on November 22, 2002.
BACKGROUND: Joseph R. Steffl was born in Wooster, OH on October 20, 1971, the son of Richard and Shirley Steffl. He attended schools in Ohio and graduated from Bellaire Saint John High School, then went on to West Liberty State College and earned his degree in medical science (physician assistant) from Alderson-Broaddus College in 1998. He married the former Robin Dadisman, also a physician assistant, on December 30, 1999. They made their home in Elkins, WV, while Joe worked first for Dr. Todd Corder and later at the Northern Pocahontas County Health Clinic in Durbin, WV, where he served as both physician assistant and acting administrator. He was also an EMT and active member of several rescue squads and search teams.
Joe had a deep love for West Virginia, which he considered a second home since childhood. His passions included hunting, fishing, hiking, snowboarding, biking, and especially kayaking—his favorite sport. He embraced life with enthusiasm, leaving a memorable impression on everyone he met. Joe passed away on April 28, 2002, while kayaking on the Shavers Fork River. His legacy lives on through this scholarship and the lives he touched along the way.
