The Department of French and Italian is a vibrant intellectual community of scholars and teachers. It is one of the largest of its kind in the United States and includes first-rate faculty members. Gifts truly provide the margin of excellence in a competitive environment that is increasingly global in scope and audience. Gifts from alumni and friends provide the flexibility to respond to new challenges and launch cutting-edge initiatives in teaching, learning, and scholarship that enhance the reputation of UW–Madison and its ranking as one of the best universities in the world.