Written to honor the 80th birthday of William Fulton, the articles collected in this volume (the first of a pair) present substantial contributions to algebraic geometry and related fields, with an emphasis on combinatorial algebraic geometry and intersection theory. Featured topics include commutative algebra, moduli spaces, quantum cohomology, representation theory, Schubert calculus, and toric and tropical geometry. The range of these contributions is a testament to the breadth and depth of Fulton's mathematical influence. The authors are all internationally recognized experts, and include well-established researchers as well as rising stars of a new generation of mathematicians. The text aims to stimulate progress and provide inspiration to graduate students and researchers in the field.