Wright State alumna Lucy Staugler to inspire Lake Campus grads during commencement on May 1 

Freely saying that “Wright State has given me my life,” Lucy Staugler will share that message with and inspire graduating students as the alumni speaker at the Lake Campus commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 1, at 5:30 p.m. at Romer’s Celina Ballroom. 

Staugler was invited to speak after receiving the 2025 Lake Campus Outstanding Alumna Award from the Wright State University Alumni Association. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1979 and a master’s degree in mental health counseling in 1988 from Wright State University–Lake Campus. 

“I would’ve never, ever thought growing up on a farm with 12 siblings that I would’ve accomplished even one degree,” Staugler said. “To get an award from the university, that they honored what I’ve done, it just means the world to me. I’m very touched and very honored.”

Staugler is executive director of the Grand Lake Area Literature Festival and a retired public school educator and guidance counselor. Over her 33-year career in public school education, she taught or provided counseling in every grade level from kindergarten through 12. 

“I’ve had such a fun career,” she said. “Every single grade level, every single milestone a child can have, I’ve seen in my education career. I love it.” 

As a student, she found Wright State’s Lake Campus was a perfect fit because it gave her the flexibility to work full time while also taking classes full time. 

Lucy Staugler, a retired educator and guidance counselor, was invited to speak at the Lake Campus commencement ceremony after receiving the 2025 Lake Campus Outstanding Alumna Award.

“I’ve always had a passion for learning,” she said. “When I was growing up, I wanted to be a teacher, I wanted to be a social worker, I wanted to be a journalist. I wanted to be all three of those things.”  

Staugler dedicated her career to empowering individuals through education, guidance and community service. Known for her empathy, vision, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, she has supported struggling students, mentored new teachers and championed initiatives that benefit her community. 

She started the first After School Book Club at Fort Recovery Elementary School, advised the middle school Student Council, SMART Club (Students Making A Right Turn), chaired the elementary intervention assistance team, mentored young people through Big Brothers/Big Sisters and judged its Dancing With the Stars and volunteered for the Lake Campus Alumni Association. 

 Staugler is a writing instructor through the Ohio Arts Council, a past member of the Mercer County Developmental Disabilities Board, education supervisor at Lake Campus for beginning and student teachers and a member of the Foundations Behavioral Health Services Board. 

An advocate for education as a transformative force, Staugler believes in the power of strong, supportive communities to create opportunities for all. She is passionate about children, literacy, writing, mental health issues for all ages, traveling and community service. 

“If I wouldn’t have had Wright State, I would not have had a teaching degree, I would not have had the fabulous life with all the students and everybody I’ve met along the way. I’ve had so many options because of that,” she said. “Wright State has given me my life.”