News Summary
William & Mary has received a groundbreaking donation to enhance its recruitment of out-of-state students. Alumnus Darpan Kapadia and his wife Erica Olan’s contribution will support improved admissions strategies, marketing, and scholarships. With the looming ‘enrollment cliff’ affecting universities, this initiative aims to broaden awareness of the university’s offerings, particularly in the Northeast. The campaign will include targeted outreach, increased visibility at high schools, and enhanced financial aid options for prospective students.
Williamsburg, Virginia – William & Mary has announced it received a first-of-its-kind gift from alumnus Darpan Kapadia and his wife, Erica Olan. The contribution aims to significantly bolster the university’s efforts to recruit out-of-state students amid projected declines in the traditional college-age population.
Darpan Kapadia, who serves as the chief operating officer of LS Power and is the incoming chair of the W&M Foundation, has pledged support that will focus on improving admissions, enhancing marketing strategies, providing scholarships, and fostering relationships with high school counselors. This initiative represents an unprecedented effort designed to highlight the offerings of William & Mary to prospective students not traditionally aware of the university’s diverse programs.
President Katherine A. Rowe referred to the gift as a “game-changer” for future students, expressing appreciation for the commitment shown by Kapadia and Olan. This contribution marks the first time that William & Mary has received a gift specifically intended to aid its admission efforts on such a scale.
The initiative comes at a crucial time, as universities nationwide face the challenges associated with a projected “enrollment cliff” due to a decrease in the population of 18-year-olds. The university’s strategy will involve carefully targeted recruitment efforts, with initial outreach focusing on Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. This strategic approach aims to mitigate the impending challenges of declining enrollment by advancing William & Mary’s national presence.
This new recruitment initiative will roll out a range of programs designed to increase visibility among high school students and their educational advisors. Plans include hosting high school counselors for campus visits in the spring and stepping up efforts to establish a regional presence in the Northeast starting next fall. The campaign will encompass a comprehensive marketing strategy, an active social media presence, and the establishment of scholarship funds to provide more competitive financial aid offers for out-of-state students.
In addition to admissions and marketing efforts, the university plans to promote ongoing support for internships to enhance the overall student experience. Representatives from William & Mary will increase their presence at high schools in the Northeast and attend more college fairs and admissions events. This extensive outreach aims to cultivate relationships with potential students and broaden the university’s applicant pool.
The total amount of the gift has not been disclosed, as requested by the donors. However, its significance is profound as it broadens William & Mary’s recruitment strategy while continuing to support in-state students. By effectively targeting out-of-state students, the university hopes to maintain a diverse and dynamic student body.
Overall, this initiative demonstrates the proactive steps being taken by William & Mary in response to the evolving educational landscape, ensuring that the university remains competitive and appealing to a wider audience in the college admissions arena.
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Additional Resources
- Wydaily: Kapadia Gift for William & Mary
- Google Search: William & Mary recruitment
- PR Newswire: Gift to Expand William & Mary’s Enrollment Reach
- Wikipedia: College Admissions
- Bacon’s Rebellion: W&M Grapples with Enrollment Crisis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- Flat Hat News: College Experiences and Enrollment Rates
- Google News: W&M enrollment
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
