Students who have learned, explored and discovered with the help of scholarships.

Faculty whose teaching and research has been enriched through endowed chair positions.

Donors who have found great meaning in giving to support their favorite causes.

These are among the speakers for “A Call to Action,” the Oct. 22 public launch of The Campaign for UC Davis, the university’s first comprehensive campaign.

The entire campus community is invited to attend the announcement and celebration, from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. Release time is appropriate, with supervisory approval, according to Human Resources.

“At the campaign kickoff we will honor and celebrate the many ways in which philanthropy helps to sustain and enhance UC Davis’ excellence,” said Cheryl Brown Lohsé, associate vice chancellor for Development. “Philanthropic contributions support UC Davis’ mission and vision, and I look forward to celebrating the many beneficial impact of private gifts with the entire university community on October 22.”

The campaign began July 1, 2006, with a “quiet” phase, by approval of the UC Office of the President. So far, more than $597 million has been committed toward the goal of $1 billion. University fundraising campaigns commonly begin with a quiet phase that is used for seeking inspirational lead gifts and setting campaign goals. The “public” phase typically begins only after a university has commitments in hand for at least 40 percent of the total fundraising goal.

On Sept. 16, the Board of Regents authorized the public phase, during which UC Davis will seek to attract philanthropic support broadly, from UC Davis alumni and other friends throughout the state, nation and world.

Volunteer leaders from across the nation have been urging the university to embark on an ambitious campaign like this for some time.

“I’m thrilled that UC Davis will be publicly launching this campaign, because it will enable the university to build on its rich history of achievement and make even greater contributions through its teaching, research and public service,” said Kevin Bacon, a 1972 graduate who is chair of the UC Davis Foundation.

The campaign is considered comprehensive because it encompasses the entire university, and private support raised for all purposes across the university will be included in the campaign total. This includes student scholarships, graduate student fellowships, faculty support, research, programs, facilities, patient care and unrestricted support for the university. The campaign’s fundraising priorities flow from "UC Davis: A Vision of Excellence," the university’s recently completed strategic framework.

“A Call to Action,” includes music by the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra and a never-before seen-video presentation, as well as remarks by the following:

• Chancellor Linda Katehi

• William P. Sullivan ’72, president and chief executive officer of Agilent Technologies Inc.

• Nicole San Jose ’11

• Professor Annabeth Rosen, who holds the Robert Arneson Chair in Ceramic Sculpture

• Kyle Fradkin ’11

• Peter Blando ’93, M.B.A. ’02, chair of Staff Assembly

• Tina Randolph Alexander ’10, a Ph.D. candidate in U.S. history

The master of ceremonies will be Michael Chapman, M.D. ’58, a professor emeritus, member of the Campaign Cabinet and a member of the board of trustees of the UC Davis Foundation.

The Campaign Cabinet and UC Davis Foundation Board of Trustees are volunteer advisory groups that help increase philanthropic support for the university and advise university leaders on the comprehensive campaign.

For more information about The Campaign for UC Davis or the campaign kickoff, call the University Development Office, (530) 754-4438.

Angela Hokanson is the development and campaign communications manager for the Marketing Unit of University Communications.