Financing their college education might be a little easier for many UC Davis students, thanks to a campuswide fund-raising effort called "Students First." The campaign goal set in 1993 aimed to raise $15.35 million in two years to fund scholarships, fellowships, student-related academic programs and other financial aid for undergraduate and graduate students. "We have nearly met the goal," says Donna Blakemore, campaign director. "Faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university have responded generously to a campaign that came at a time when the state's economic woes have meant financial instability for many families." Just $200,000 shy of the goal, the campaign will continue until the goal is reached so that an endowment fund can be assured to provide for long-range financial resources, according to Blakemore. A highlight of the campaign was a $100,000 matching-gift challenge the Associated Students of UC Davis made to the campus faculty and staff, who responded generously by contributing more than $146,000. A special victory celebration to thank faculty and staff will be hosted by Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef on Feb. 1, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the AGR Hall at the Alumni and Visitors Center.