Former CNN Anchor Gives Back

Students in the Reed College of Media will benefit from a planned gift made by WVU alumna Denise LeClair Cobb and her husband, Brian, of Naples, Florida.

LeClair Cobb graduated with a journalism degree in 1973 and went on to have a successful career in television. She started as a news anchor and producer for a local station in Wheeling, West Virginia, and then worked as a reporter for various news affiliates before becoming an anchor for CNN.

LeClair Cobb eventually started her own television production company. She and her husband later purchased several TV stations during their careers.

The strong reputation of the journalism school, now the Reed College of Media, is what first drew her to WVU. She says her professors contributed to her strong education, and that a private scholarship helped her afford tuition.

"It really made a huge difference in me being able to attend," LeClair Cobb says. "I thought, well, if there was ever a time that I can pay it forward and pay that back, I would do that."

She said a recent visit to the Reed College made her want to donate.

"I was so impressed by the students. They seemed much brighter than we all were back in the day," LeClair Cobb says. "And the professors were amazing as well."

The Cobbs chose to set up a charitable annuity through the WVU Foundation as it allowed them to receive dependable income for life, while also supporting her alma mater.

"I wanted to be able to show my support of WVU, and especially the College of Media, while I'm still alive," LeClair Cobb says.

Retired, the Cobbs now spend much of their time doing charity work in the Naples area.

A life income gift, just like the charitable gift annuity set up by the Cobbs, is a great way to provide for yourself while supporting your passions at WVU. Contact Matthew Clark at 304-284-4033 or plannedgiving@wvuf.org to learn more.