Darpan Kapadia to Deliver Keynote at William & Mary Convocation

Darpan Kapadia, a distinguished alumnus of William & Mary, will deliver the keynote address at the university’s Opening Convocation on August 27, 2023. As the chief operating officer of LS Power and vice chair of the William & Mary Foundation Board of Trustees, his insights will welcome a new cohort of students to the campus community at the start of the academic year.

The Opening Convocation, held in the historic Wren Yard, marks a significant occasion for new students. It sets the tone for the academic journey ahead, coinciding with the commencement of undergraduate classes. Kapadia’s involvement reflects his enduring commitment to the university, which is currently celebrating the Year of the Environment. This initiative aims to enhance sustainability efforts on campus and amplify the institution’s global impact.

“Darpan Kapadia is at the forefront of transformation in the energy sector,” stated Katherine A. Rowe, President of William & Mary. “His path from William & Mary exemplifies the power of a liberal arts and sciences education to cultivate innovators who redefine their fields and industries. We warmly look forward to welcoming Mr. Kapadia back to his alma mater in the Year of the Environment.”

Kapadia’s journey began at William & Mary, where he graduated with a degree in economics. His early engagement included serving as class president, and he has since held multiple positions within the university’s governance. As chair of the development strategy committee for the William & Mary Foundation, Kapadia will advance to chair the foundation itself in October 2023. His leadership will focus on increasing private support to benefit students and faculty, enhancing resources for scholarships, research, and infrastructure.

In a notable philanthropic effort, Kapadia committed $1 million over two years to the Career Center Student Internship Fund. This contribution has profoundly impacted internship opportunities, increasing funding levels for individual grants and quadrupling the number of students receiving financial support for internships and applied learning experiences each year. Meeting all requests for internship funding in both 2023 and 2024, this initiative aligns with William & Mary’s Vision 2026 strategic plan, which aims to ensure every undergraduate has access to a funded internship.

Kapadia’s commitment to education and career development is rooted in his own experiences as an intern at law firms and with policymakers in New York. After his graduation from William & Mary, he began his professional journey as a senior consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers. He later earned an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management and served as a vice president at Goldman Sachs.

Since joining LS Power in 2004, Kapadia has played a crucial role in the company’s expansion, initially overseeing strategy and now serving as COO. He is also a board member for several LS Power-backed companies, including EVgo Inc. and renewable energy platforms like REV Renewables and Clearlight Energy. His contributions to sustainable energy were highlighted in the spring 2024 issue of the William & Mary Alumni Magazine.

Beyond his work with LS Power, Kapadia remains active in higher education, contributing to various advisory councils, including those at Northwestern University and the University of Southern California. His multifaceted involvement underscores a commitment not only to William & Mary but to the broader educational landscape.

As the university prepares for the new academic year, Kapadia’s return as keynote speaker at the Opening Convocation exemplifies the strong bond between the institution and its alumni, illustrating how professional success can be intertwined with a dedication to community and sustainability.