As a land-grant university for this century, Washington State University must be global—conducting research that benefits our state and the world, focusing intellectual pursuits on the most pressing of society's issues, preparing students to move across borders and cultures, and equipping our communities with the tools to succeed in a volatile international marketplace. As the state's university, WSU must also be local, providing outreach into every county and touching the lives of every citizen in the state. Building on a rich foundation of achievement, WSU must now make significant strategic investments to power the next wave of BIG IDEAS that will change the world.

The Campaign for Washington State University: Because the World Needs Big Ideas is a nine-year, $1 billion comprehensive fundraising effort to position Washington State University to serve the people and address the needs and challenges of our state, nation, and world. Following a momentum-building quiet phase that began July 1, 2006, the campaign entered its public phase in December 2010. The campaign will conclude in 2015, coinciding with the 125th anniversary of the University's founding.

Through the Campaign for WSU, we seek a historic infusion of private support to leverage WSU research strengths in accomplishing our big ideas for HEALTH, FOOD, SUSTAINABILITY, GLOBAL LEADERSHIP, and WASHINGTON STATE. The campaign is about people and places—ensuring WSU's ability to provide access to quality education for a diverse student body, to attract and retain a world-class faculty, and to build and modernize state-of-the-art facilities where WSU students, faculty, and staff study, work, and live.

Washington State University, with roots in the land, aspires to a more secure position among top-tier land-grant universities. As a public institution, we cannot depend solely on public funds but must rely on the generosity of alumni and friends to provide momentum. If we stand still, or remain satisfied with incremental change, WSU will fall behind. The generous partnership of WSU alumni and friends puts this unprecedented fundraising goal within reach. Responsibility and credit for achieving the institution's aspirations belong with those who care passionately about WSU. We invite you to join us in The Campaign for Washington State University—and to give generously.

As the power of our BIG IDEAS spreads across the world, WSU will stand out as a premier land-grant university and leader for the twenty-first century.