In a moment, the Foundation's Board Chair, Walter Hewlett, will describe why we regard this grant as among the most important ones that the Hewlett Foundation has ever made. First, though, I'm going to say just a word about fundraising, speaking less as president of the Foundation than as a former law school dean who spent much of his 12-year tenure doing similarly challenging work.

Raising the funds to match the Hewlett grant will indeed be a challenge. But, to use the cliché, it also presents a great opportunity – an opportunity for deans, faculty, alumni, and even students- to advance and deepen the University's mission at the same time as they help support it.

Actually, this is more than a challenge and opportunity. It will be fun.

Every alumnus who has given knows how much fun it is-how personally rewarding it is – to strengthen a great institution. This is true for non-alums as well, who can manifest their support for one of the nation's premier universities without any accusations of favoritism. And this effort to raise $100 million will give you a chance to have as much fun as you've ever had before.

It will be fun for faculty as well. Don't worry: You don't need to make the "ask" or close the deal; that's the job of your deans and development staff. But you are a necessary part of the equation. You will have an unprecedented opportunity to explain the University's mission, and your own contributions to it, to alumni and others-to gain their support. And you will find an eager and receptive audience.

I'm pleased that the Hewlett Foundation can help launch this journey. In the words of the Greek poet Cavafy, I hope your road is full of adventure, full of discovery.