Brenton Ebert (center), a nephew of the late Douglas and Bonita Haines (formerly of Keyser), finalizes the financial gift to the Douglas E. & Bonita E. Haines Scholarship with WVU Potomac State College President Dr. Jerry Wallace and Director of Development Dr. Megan Webb.
Douglas and Bonita Haines are engrained in WVU Potomac State College’s history and in the Keyser community. Both grew up in Keyser, graduated from Keyser High School and attended WVU Potomac State College.
Throughout their individual careers, Douglas and Bonita credited Potomac State College with preparing them for their chosen careers. Their hope was to inspire the future generations of local students by providing financial support with a gift in the amount of $840,750.
According to the Haines’ nephew, Brenton Ebert, “I share my late aunt and uncle’s passion for business and agriculture. They had such a fondness for Potomac State College and a desire to help other students achieve their dreams.”
The Douglas E. & Bonita E. Haines Scholarship is committed to supporting local students majoring in business or agriculture. The Haines’ passion for encouraging excellence in business and agriculture is evident in how the scholarship was constructed. Recipients may qualify for an award based on financial aid, merit or a combination of conditions that could otherwise prevent them from pursuing a degree. Scholarships will be exclusively awarded to students attending Potomac State College.
In addition to working at Potomac State early in her career, Bonita worked as an administrative assistant at Hercules (ATK), which is now part of Northrop Grumman, until her retirement after 40 years of service. Both Douglas and Bonita enjoyed volunteering and were extremely active in their community during their careers and throughout their retirement.
Douglas graduated from Potomac State College in 1956, and was also a graduate of the Louisiana State University Banking School in Baton Rouge, LA. He spent his working career at F & M Bank (now Truist) in Keyser. At the time of his retirement, Douglas was serving as president of the bank. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors at the bank for several years after his retirement. Douglas was a member of many community and civic organizations, including the Keyser Housing Authority, the Keyser Industrial Park Board, the Mineral County 911 Center Planning Commission, and served as treasurer for the Mineral County Crime Solvers. He also served as court receiver for the Mineral County Circuit Court, was a long-time member of the Keyser Lions Club and a member of the Rayces Amateur Radio Club.
The Haines enjoyed traveling, camping and trap shooting. He won many class trophies at the annual WV State Trap Meets and once won at the International Trap Meet in Vandalia, Ohio. However, what they enjoyed most was spending time with family, especially on birthdays and holidays. Both were members of Sunnyside Covenant Brethren Church.
Students receiving and benefiting from the Douglas E. & Bonita E. Haines Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year includes freshmen Ava Simon and Sarah Dudley, along with sophomores Jayla Hamric and Caitlin Thomas.
“Gifts like this one are a profound reminder of the power of generosity in a rural community. Support from Douglas and Bonita Haines will continue to open doors for many local students in business and agriculture, empowering them to climb higher in pursuit of their dreams. This legacy will inspire generations to come at Potomac State College” said Director of Development Dr. Megan Webb.
For more information regarding how to donate to the WVU Potomac State College Foundation, please reach out to Webb at mwebb9@mail.wvu.edu.