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Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 5 from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Old Main 590 for Clara Capron's retirement reception. There will be light refreshments, note cards available, and remarks beginning around 3:00 p.m.

Clara Capron, Western’s assistant vice president for Enrollment and Student Services and director of Financial Aid, will retire Sept. 6, 2023.

Capron first began working in Western’s financial aid office in 1991 and became the director in 1997. Since then, the office has authorized grants, scholarships, work study and loan disbursements of more than $2.5 billion.

“Clara has personally impacted thousands of students through her dedicated leadership of the Financial Aid Office,” said Vice President, Enrollment and Student Services Melynda Huskey. “She has been laser-focused for more than 30 years on helping students find the financial resources they need to stay in school and graduate. We will miss her precise and thoughtful stewardship of Financial Aid so much!”

In addition to her work in financial aid, Capron also provided oversight to the Office of Admissions and New Student Services/Family Outreach from 2012 to 2019. She’s the recipient of the Professional Staff Organization Award, three Exceptional Effort Awards and one Team Award at Western.

“Clara has made an enormous difference in the life of this institution and in the lives of countless students and families,” said Shelli Soto, associate vice president for Enrollment Management. “She leaves a legacy of integrity, responsible and caring leadership, and untiring commitment that will influence those who have worked with her for many years to come. I offer my best wishes to my friend and colleague, Clara, as she transitions to a well-earned retirement and many new adventures."

Capron said she is also immensely grateful to her colleagues in Financial Aid for their years of hard work, collaboration and support. The department underwent a federal program review last year and received a favorable outcome. In addition, Western’s federal student loan default rate is less than 1 percent, among the lowest in the country.

“I have been a part of what’s going on here at Western for an amazing 32 years,” Capron said. “I feel good about having devoted a large portion of my life toward making a positive difference, having worked with so many talented colleagues to help students and families realize their plans and dreams.  In addition, Western has helped me to evolve personally and professionally. I will always think of Western with deep gratitude.”

Next for Capron: “I am ready to pursue a few dreams and simple pleasures that have been on my mind for years,” she said, “such as fully appreciating the natural world that’s all around us.”

Soon after her Sept. 6 retirement date, Capron plans to visit Maine and Nova Scotia.