A Landmark Donation to Boost Enrollment at William & Mary University

In an exciting development for higher education in Virginia, Darpan Kapadia and his wife, Erica Olan, have announced a groundbreaking donation to William & Mary, aimed explicitly at enhancing the university's enrollment initiatives. This innovative gift marks the first of its kind and signals a significant step towards bolstering the institution's national presence by attracting exceptional students from outside Virginia.

Kapadia, who serves as the Chief Operating Officer for LS Power, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that the investment represents a pivotal shift in how William & Mary promotes itself. Specifically, the funding will be allocated towards admissions, marketing efforts, scholarships, and engagement with high school counselors. This multifaceted approach is designed to increase awareness of what William & Mary offers, especially among students who may not be fully familiar with the university's unique advantages.

Katherine A. Rowe, President of William & Mary, praised the generous donation, emphasizing its significance for the university's future. "This investment in future students is a game-changer. It enables us to spread the word nationwide that William & Mary is the place to come and grow as a discerning leader," stated Rowe, thanking Kapadia and Olan for their foresight and support of academic excellence.

The importance of this gift cannot be overstated, particularly in light of projections indicating a national decline in the population of college-age students, which could challenge institutions across the country. Initially, William & Mary plans to direct its recruitment efforts to the tri-state area of Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, with a strategic plan that includes hosting high school counselors for campus visits in the spring.

Furthermore, there will be a concerted effort to establish a more dynamic presence in these regions beginning next fall. Over time, the university's initiatives will expand nationwide, further elevating its visibility among potential students. Notably, part of this initiative involves creating more competitive financial aid packages, which can make a significant difference for out-of-state applicants.

"With this new initiative, we can share William & Mary's value proposition with a broader audience, do so more intentionally, amplify our national presence, and unlock the full potential of this great university. It's exciting to think about," remarked Kapadia, who is also the incoming chair of the WM Foundation and a proud alumnus from the Class of 1995.

In addition, Lisa Keegan, the inaugural vice provost for enrollment strategy at William & Mary, emphasized that while expanding recruitment outside Virginia is critical, the university will not lose sight of its commitment to Virginia students. "We're always going to be working on our recruitment and enrollment strategy in the Commonwealth. This gift will provide resources for us to expand our recruitment efforts outside Virginia," Keegan noted.

Overall, this innovative gift from Kapadia and Olan is not just a financial contribution but a strategic investment in the future of William & Mary. By enhancing the university's ability to attract top-tier talent from across the nation, they are helping to ensure that William & Mary remains a vibrant center of academic excellence poised to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.

As William & Mary embarks on this ambitious initiative, it becomes increasingly clear that the future of the university—and the students who will benefit from its programs—has never looked brighter.