When I was in college, I was fortunate enough to qualify for loans, grants, and work-study. I never really paid close attention to it, but I usually received a Stafford loan each year. To let you know how long ago this was, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Christian Brothers University owing only $5,000 total for four years.
I never realized it, but Stafford loans were named after former Vermont senator Robert Stafford. He passed away this week at the age of 93. He was the governor for two years, served eleven years in the House of Representatives, and seventeen years in the Senate. He was a dedicated education activist as well as an environmentalist. In 1988, to honor him, Congress changed the name of the loan program from the Federal Guaranteed Student Loan to the Robert T. Stafford Student loan program. These loans were great for college students because they were low interest (I think mine was 5%) and allowed students to get a good education without taxing their wallets (or those of their parents!). In 2006, it is estimated that about 14 million Stafford loans were issued.
Stafford himself obtained a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College then a law degree from Boston University. He also received degrees from the University of Vermont, St. Michael’s College, and Norwich University. He served in the Navy for two years during World War II and fought in Korea before returning to take the job as the state deputy attorney general for Vermont. He then served as attorney general, but only for two years as he was elected lieutenant governor. He won the gubernatorial election in 1958. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1960 and served five successive terms. He accepted a temporary vacancy in the Senate, but remained there until his retirement in 1989.
While serving in Congress, Stafford also helped pass the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. This act helps coordinate federal natural disaster assistance.
Senator Stafford is survived by his wife and four daughters.