Like planting acres of seedlings, a comprehensive campaign like Far Above ... The Campaign for Cornell is an act of faith that what gets started will grow stronger with time.

But we can gain perspective and inspiration by looking at the powerful impact of gifts made in the past. It has not taken long for them to transform the Cornell landscape.

Consider that just 10 years ago:

This list is only a snapshot, but consider where Cornell would be without these critical investments by forward-looking benefactors. Suddenly, the meaning of a "transformative" gift comes into clear focus.

Far Above ... The Campaign for Cornell is very much about investing in the work of today's students and faculty. But the real excitement has to be reserved for the vision of what Cornell will become 10 or more years from now, when the seedlings planted today grow to maturity.

Bryce T. Hoffman is a writer for Cornell's Alumni Affairs and Development.