A Sunrise, a Scholarship, and a Spirit of Service: Don Cobb’s Lasting Impact on Northern New Mexico
Don Cobb
When Don Cobb woke up in Los Alamos for his first job interview fresh out of college, the sunrise over the canyon caught his breath. The colors, the sky, the stillness—he knew he was meant to be here. That moment began a decades-long love story with Northern New Mexico, where Don and his wife would raise a family, build a life, and give back in extraordinary ways.
Though life has since brought changes and his children have moved away, Los Alamos remains the Cobb family’s anchor. It's the place they gather, reconnect, and continue to call home.
Don’s journey as a philanthropist started simply—by donating through LANL’s payroll deduction program. “I knew there were needs in our community, and United Way was helping,” Don said. But it wasn’t until he attended a board meeting in 2005 that he realized just how deep that impact could go. One meeting led to a decade of service on the United Way of Northern New Mexico board, including a term as president. And he’s still involved—reviewing grants, visiting programs, and supporting the causes that make a difference.
What began with automatic deductions transformed into a life of intentional giving.
photo courtesy: LANL Foundation
Moved by the challenges his daughter faced as a music teacher—purchasing supplies out of her own pocket—Don and his family created the Cobb Education Scholarship through the LANL Foundation to support educators who go above and beyond for their students. And when he learned about the needs of rural libraries in Rio Arriba, he didn’t hesitate. With United Way’s help, Don championed the STEM to READ preschool program, which continues to bring early literacy to some of the most remote corners of New Mexico.
But beyond the scholarships and site visits, Don says what’s meant the most is the people:
“You learn about people who are really passionate about so many different things. It’s uplifting to engage with this broader community.”
His legacy of service hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2023, Don was named one of Los Alamos' Living Treasures—an honor that reflects the deep roots he’s grown through his generosity, wisdom, and humility.
Still, Don insists that he’s the one who’s received the greatest gift:
“It’s really what you learn by the engagement you get with the people who are actually doing the work.”
Feeling inspired? You can follow in Don’s footsteps and start supporting a local nonprofit or support the United Way Community Action Fund, where one donation is spread to multiple local nonprofits, creating a stronger community. Learn more about how you can make a difference at www.unitedwaynnm.org.
Because like Don, you just might discover that one donation can lead to a lifetime of giving.
