"It will have a special character because the end is in sight," Fineberg says.

The meeting will feature a luncheon for 150 donors, alumni and campaign officials, followed by meetings and a reception.

"It's a very big event," said Bob Crandell, director of catering at New York's Harvard Club.

It's anybody's guess how the University will handle the last several months, alumni say. After making the official announcement of the campaign's end, likely to come in the next couple weeks, it could continue to fundraise beyond the goal--or it could formally increase the campaign's goals.

"We're going to have to keep raising money forever," Rudenstine said.

With the stock market still booming, University officials are reluctant to slow the pace of their fundraising, fearing an eventual economic downturn that will put a pinch on Harvard's finances and fund drives.

Moreover, the campaign is still falling short in several specific areas, despite its overall success.