Master of Ceremonies William H. Webster (left) greets guests at the gala launching the Campaign for Washington University. Webster is an emeritus trustee and a law school alumnus.

Red roses, champagne and a glittering ballroom set the scene. Cameras flashed and gowns sparkled. The guests themselves, however, were the most resplendent of all. Reveling in a new challenge and the promise of good things to come, the University community gathered 1,300-plus strong at America's Center in downtown St. Louis to formally launch the Campaign for Washington University.

Community and student leaders, faculty, alumni, parents and friends from around the world celebrated the announcement of a $1 billion capital campaign that will accelerate Washington University's ascent among the world's universities well into the next millennium.

"Nothing could be more exciting," said University trustee Lee M. Liberman, chairman emeritus of Laclede Gas, campaign leadership chair for the School of Art and vice chair of capital resources. "We've set ourselves a giant goal and we're convinced we can make it -- even exceed it!"

School of Art faculty (from left) Sabina Ott, Jeigh Singleton and Denise Ward-Brown enjoy the festivities at America's Center.

Shanti K. Khinduka, dean of the George Warren Brown School of Social Work, was equally enthusiastic. "This is a memorable landmark occasion," he said. "This effort has energized the entire University community. It is an important event for higher education in America."

Lifting flutes of Codorniu champagne, guests toasted the occasion, renewed friendships and shared news of the University's latest achievements.

Master of Ceremonies William H. Webster, law school alumnus and former director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the FBI, opened the program with a brief welcome.

Guests dined on herbed beef tenderloin paired with broiled salmon. Crème brulée topped with fresh berries and a sprig of mint provided a velvet finish.

From left, sophomore Hillary Moore, juniors Jacqueline Maliwat and Tom Habif and sophomore Lindsey Cameron are among the students attending the campaign gala.

Broadway performer and alumna Janet Metz captivated the crowd with "Broadway Baby" and "Neverland" from "Peter Pan."Her rousing tribute to the memory of the late Herbert Metz (no relation), associate professor emeritus of drama and English (no relation), included a poignant rendition of "The Music That Makes Me Dance" from "Funny Girl."

Campaign leaders addressed the gathering.

"Washington University is headed toward the supersonic era," exclaimed University Trustee John F. McDonnell, chair of the leadership phase of the campaign. The retired chairman of the board of McDonnell Douglas Corp. urged everyone to join him on the flight.

Gupreet and Kushal Singh traveled from India to attend the celebration weekend and a meeting of the International Advisory Council for Asia. Gupreet Singh is an alumnus and a member of the council.

Alumnus Sam Fox, chairman and CEO of Harbour Group, Ltd., is chair of the campaign's public phase. He framed the $1 billion initiative in terms of a quality investment in the future leaders of society.

Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton stressed the essential partnership between the University and society. He acknowledged the contributions of tireless volunteers whose efforts to boost Washington University among world institutions have garnered staunch support from all corners of the community.

David V. Habif Jr., M.D., campaign leadership chair of the parents group and an avid scholarship supporter, praised University parents as "a very involved group who want the best for their children and are willing to work toward that goal." Father of Stephanie, '97, and Meredith, a senior business major, the Tenafly, N.J., physician also has a niece and two nephews who chose to attend Washington University.

Such is the hope of the faculty. "The medical school may rank No. 3 in the country, but our students are No. 1," said Emily Smith, assistant professor of radiology and chair of the medical school's annual fund. Smith earned undergraduate and medical degrees from the University. The need for scholarship funds never ends, she noted, "for we know that availability of scholarships attracts the best students."

University faculty are poised for the challenge. "Our goal is to make biomedical engineering one of the premier departments of its kind in the country," said Frank C-P Yin, the Stephen F. and Camilla T. Brauer Professor of Biomedical Engineering.

From left, Kleila Carlson, publications editor at the School of Medicine; Louise Johnson, wife of David C. Jones, planned giving officer; and Sue Ghidina, senior director of annual giving, celebrate with the University community at the banquet.

Added Kathleen Brickey, the James W. Carr Professor of Criminal Jurisprudence at the School of Law: "The best law schools in the country are affiliated with the best universities. Being part of a premier educational institution enhances both opportunities for exciting interdisciplinary work and interaction with noted teachers and scholars."

Following the singing of the alma mater, a net suspended over the dais released a cascade of red, white and green balloons. The words of William H. Danforth, chairman of the Board of Trustees, crystalized the spirit of the event:

"What Arnold Toynbee said of civilization," Danforth said, "is also true of a great university. He said, 'Civilization is a process and not a condition, a voyage and not a harbor.' We cannot hand on to our successors a finished work or a safe haven. What we can hand on is a restless institution, striving for excellence, working always to be better, a beacon for all who love education. I am sure that is what we all want and why we are all here."