Retiree Bill Wadt wins Laboratory’s Community Relations Medal

Each year, the Laboratory celebrates the dedication and achievements of an individual who has made significant contributions to the Lab’s efforts to help Northern New Mexico thrive with its Community Relations Medal. The 2024 recipient is Laboratory retiree Bill Wadt.

The annual award recognizes active Laboratory employees or retirees who have made significant contributions to the Lab's goal of excellence in community relations, honoring community leadership and building partnerships within Northern New Mexico in the areas of STEM education, economic/workforce development and philanthropic investment of time or resources.

Wadt was honored for his service to Northern New Mexico communities for more than 30 years, both during his career at Los Alamos and since his retirement in 2010. 

He was a key driver in the creation of the LANL Foundation, and with his continued support (including several spells serving on its board) over the past 27 years, it has grown to become the largest and most impactful education foundation in the state of New Mexico.

He has also supported a range of other regional and statewide nonprofits and organizations including:

• YMCA
• Los Alamos Public Schools
• Los Alamos First Born
• Los Alamos Juvenile Justice Advisory Board (JJAB) 
• Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation (the LACDC)
• Quality New Mexico
• New Mexico Excellence in Learning

Wadt has been a pioneer of trust-based philanthropy in the region, an approach to nonprofit activity where those with resources seek to serve grantees from a place of mutual respect.  

“Bill sees possibilities where most would see none,” said Tony Fox, vice president of institutional advancement and scholarship at the LANL Foundation and who nominated Wadt for the award. “He sees potential in people who do not see it in themselves, and he champions those who have yet to find their voice.”