Gift from Mark and Paula Hurd to Create Welcome Center at Baylor University

WACO, Texas, Nov. 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Baylor University has announced a lead gift from Mark and Paula Hurd, which spurs the institution's $1.1 billion comprehensive philanthropic campaign to create the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center. Efforts for the new center are the cornerstone of "Give Light: The Campaign for Baylor," the University's fundraising initiative announced on Nov. 1, 2018.

"Baylor University provides all of its students the skills necessary to succeed in academics, sports, business and life," said Mark Hurd, a 1979 graduate of Baylor's Hankamer School of Business and current CEO of Oracle. "From the unparalleled expertise of its professors to a culture that fosters integrity, service and excellence – Baylor University continues to transform its students into tomorrow's leaders."

The Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center is slated to be a 50,000- to 60,000-square-foot complex designed to create interest and enthusiasm in the University through a high-tech and interactive experience, and serve as the epicenter for academic, cultural and social activities. Strategic development of the property surrounding the new facility is anticipated to include businesses that will solidify the center as a travel and visitor destination for both Baylor and the Waco community.

"As we celebrate the official launch of Give Light, we are filled with deep appreciation for Mark and Paula Hurd's leadership as co-chairs for our campaign and for their inspirational gift that will transform the Baylor campus," said Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. "As they have on many occasions, Mark and Paula have stepped forward as champions of excellence and as shining lights for the vital role Baylor plays in higher education as a Christian research university."

"The Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center will become a beautiful landmark on our campus and a wonderful front door to Baylor University," said Brett Dalton, Baylor's chief business officer. "This new facility will serve as a hub of engagement opportunities – from learning about Baylor past, present and future to enjoying vibrant activities, taking part in meaningful engagement opportunities that advance the work of the University and networking events that strengthen the Baylor-Waco partnership."

"The Hurds embody the selfless service of the Baylor Family through the generosity of their time, leadership, gifts and experiences," said David Rosselli, Baylor's vice president for university advancement. "We could not be more appreciative of their significant support of the public launch of Give Light, as we look to strategically raise Baylor's profile as the world's preeminent Christian research university."

Mark Hurd also serves as a member of the Oracle Board of Directors and Baylor Board of Regents. In 2012, he was awarded the Baylor University Meritorious Achievement Award for his philanthropy and extraordinary service. Mark and Paula, a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, are Baylor parents and supported Baylor's national championship tennis program by upgrading and renovating the Hurd Tennis Center, which was recently ranked by Tennis magazine as the best facility in college tennis.

CONTACT: Lori Fogleman, [email protected], 1-254-710-6275

SOURCE Baylor University

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http://www.baylor.edu