To kickoff Baylor's 2018 Homecoming, Baylor President Linda Livingston announced a lead gift from Mark, BBA '79, and Paula Hurd to recently announced fundraising campaign Give Light on Thursday evening. The gift is among the largest in school history as part of a $1.1 billion comprehensive philanthropic campaign.

According to Baylor's official website, the gift will go "to create a new front door to the University – the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center. This transformational gift is one of the largest in Baylor's history. The Hurd Welcome Center will be constructed at the entrance to Baylor's campus on University Parks Drive alongside Interstate 35."

In addition to the announcement of the lead gift, Baylor also released details of their Athletics Master Plan.

According to the official website of the Athletics Master Plan:

"Baylor plans to develop a new fieldhouse concept that takes its lessons from other Power 5 schools who have renovated or constructed smaller venues that create a more intimate atmosphere that elevates home-court advantage and focuses on fan experience.

Construction of a football operations center that would house coaches' offices and include meeting rooms, weight rooms, rehab, and sports nutrition support would enhance the overall complement of resources for the football program. Once complete, the vacated space in Simpson Athletics and Academic Center - where football operations now resides - would be used for additional academic support and student success services.

Rounding out the plan is a venue where Baylor's volleyball and acrobatics and tumbling teams would practice. Currently utilizing the 80-year-old Marrs McLean Gymnasium, these nationally ranked programs have increasing demands for student-athlete support and substantial needs to engage a loyal and growing fan base."