Introduction

The California Institute of Technology has launched the most ambitious strategic plan in its history. We aim to pursue the most challenging, fundamental, and societally relevant scientific and engineering questions of our time while training future generations of creative, technically educated citizens. To remain at the forefront of education and discovery, the Institute's distinct community, research activities, academic programs, and campus environment need to be carefully protected and generously supported.

Without the best labs, equipment, and instrumentation, we cannot continue to attract the very best faculty and students to campus. Without the quality-of-life amenities these people expect and deserve, we cannot keep them here. Without the best people, we cannot continue to do the research that contributes so much to humankind's understanding of the natural world, which in turn means we cannot attract the funding needed to invest in the best labs, equipment, instrumentation...and so the cycle continues. That is why we have launched the most ambitious campaign in our history, with the goal of raising $1.4 billion by December 2007 to support our endowment, building projects, and new research and academic initiatives.

Caltech's uniqueness comes from having the world's brightest and most creative students, faculty and alumni. Combine that talent with a bias for solving the most daunting scientific questions and the impact is far out of proportion to our size. But, pioneering the frontiers of discovery is an inherently expensive proposition--hence the extraordinary financial scale of this Campaign. As we enter the Campaign's last stage, I invite you to learn more about our academic priorities and to join thousands of alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations in continuing to ensure that "There is only one Caltech."

- Jean-Lou Chameau