Our expectations for the university and for our students, faculty and alumni who bring it to life are virtually boundless.

We are passionately determined to be excellent in everything we do. Our extraordinary rise over the last decade has demonstrated that we have the will, the ability, and the capability to succeed.

Maryland's accomplishments are enviable. Top 20 ranking among the nation's public research universities, a faculty of international stature, and a student body noted for its talent and diversity make Maryland special indeed.

But these achievements only set higher expectations. While we are proud of what has been accomplished, our work is far from done. Our students and faculty expect to make a difference: to energize our economy, enrich our culture, enhance our environment, and promote intercultural and international understanding. Our state and the nation expect and need the University of Maryland to be a leader.

We are at a crucial point in our history. We are prepared to move up to the next level, but to do so will require support far beyond what the state provides. I have spoken in this column before about the reality that public research universities nationwide are receiving a dwindling portion of their budgets from their respective states. More and more, our state funding is also tied to our ability to generate support from others.

Our expansion of Byrd Stadiumרa storied-facility sorely in need of renovation—required major corporate support to ensure that our necessary plans could move forward. We thank Chevy Chase Bank for its extraordinary financial commitment and multifaceted partnership that benefits both our institutions.

Likewise, the Philip Merrill College of Journalism is on a trajectory that will make it the top-ranked journalism school in the country. However, the college's current building is critically outdated and is holding us back from reaching that lofty goal. The state of Maryland has made a $15 million commitment—about half of what is needed to fund a superb new teaching and research facility.

Thanks to a $5 million gift from the Knight Foundation, a new building, to be named Knight Hall, will become a reality. Our partnership with the Knight Foundation has many other dimensions as well, including more than $15 million in grants to Merrill College programs. Knight Hall will be home to our prestigious professional centers that include the Knight Center for Specialized Journalism, the Casey Journalism Center on Children and Families, and J-Lab: The Institute for Interactive Journalism.

These are but two entrepreneurial and innovative initiatives of the university. The expansion of Byrd Stadium and construction of a new journalism building are catalyzed respectively by a leading regional company and a prominent foundation, but it is the support of our alumni that makes the biggest difference. Last year, more than 40,000 alumni and friends contributed a record-setting $130 million in gifts supporting scholarships, faculty, new and refurbished facilities, and more.

Our new fundraising drive, Great Expectations, the Campaign for Maryland, is the linchpin in our plan for achieving greatness as a university with national and international impact. With the commitments of many dedicated volunteer leaders, we will be presenting our case to Maryland's alumni and friends. Let's join together in realizing our expectations.