This is the first of a regular column that will follow the progress of The Campaign for Cornell, the five-year, $4 billion universitywide fund-raising effort announced in October.

When President David Skorton announced the most ambitious fund-raising initiative in Cornell's history he did so with enormous confidence. It was well placed: Hundreds of Cornell people are playing a key role in the campaign's implementation. Here's a who's who:

Campaign chairs and vice chairs

Trustee leadership in a campaign of this magnitude is essential, and leading the campaign are co-chairs Jan Rock Zubrow '77 and Steve Ashley '62, MBA '64, along with Bob Appel '53, chair of the Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC) campaign. All are joined by six vice chairs. In addition to that team, chairman of the Cornell Board of Trustees Peter Meinig, Skorton, Cornell Provost Biddy Martin, WCMC Provost Antonio Gotto and college deans are among the campaign's most visible spokespersons.

Major Gifts Committee

The university's Major Gifts Committee comprises approximately 100 Cornellians -- many of whom have been significant donors themselves. Committee members host events, discuss potential gift options and identify others with a likely interest in Cornell.

College, unit and affinity advisory councils

College advisory councils and other consultative groups further increase opportunities to reach potential givers. In addition to the passion and expertise they bring to a wide range of fields, they serve as well-informed ambassadors.

Tower Club committees

Tower Club committees are the driving force behind annual fund support -- gifts that help to sustain the day-to-day operations of the university or provide for investments in emerging priorities. Some 400 volunteers serve on 33 teams, coast to coast.

Reunion campaign committees

Each year, more than 6,000 Cornellians and their families return to the Hill for one of the nation's largest alumni reunions. Last year, these committees raised more than $55 million.

Cornell clubs, alumni associations, college and affinity alumni organizations

Cornell is known for its remarkable network of alumni organizations. Their leaders connect alumni through umbrella organizations including the Cornell Alumni Federation. Other groups, such as the Cornell Club of Washington and the Cornell Black Alumni Association, are based on geography or affinity.

Administrator, faculty and student partners

Faculty participate in speaking engagements. Students serve in leadership roles with their class. Administrators visit with alumni to discuss campaign priorities.

Alumni Affairs and Development staff

Alumni Affairs and Development staff support these efforts, serving in roles both visible and behind the scenes. With colleagues in many other departments, including accounting; planning, design and construction; and financial aid, they work daily to guarantee Cornell remains "Far Above."

To learn more about the campaign and the people involved, visit http://www.campaign.cornell.edu.

Jim Mazza, director of the Campaign for Cornell, is a 1988 graduate of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. As an undergraduate he served as an intern at the Cornell Chronicle.