Welcome Center Groundbreaking

Plans for the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center feature a 120,000-square-foot complex designed to create interest and enthusiasm in the University through a high-tech and interactive experience. Positioned at the corner of Interstate 35 and University Parks Drive, the $60 million project will serve as the hub for the approximately 60,000 prospective students, families, alumni and other guests who currently visit campus.

Hurd Welcome Center’s Major Features

Grand Hall: Light-filled, expansive space that provides an open door to campus with interactive exhibits and a connection point for Baylor’s past and future.

Admissions Lobby: Inviting space welcoming prospective students and their families to Baylor.

Ballroom: A 1,000-seat venue designed to host presentations and dinners, with the ability to convert into smaller meeting spaces.

Spirit Shop: Fan-themed, high-end retail space with the latest Baylor apparel.

Restaurant: Healthy food fare in a Baylor-themed space.

Auditorium: A suspended, 250-seat venue that opens up to a stunning view of Pat Neff Hall and the beautiful Baylor campus.

Admissions Offices: Collaborative space designed for engagement with prospective students and families.

Alumni Offices: New home for Baylor Alumni staff as they serve the University’s 150,000 living alumni.

Exterior Terrace: Shaded, outdoor breezeway provides views of McLane Stadium and the Brazos River, while also offering covered space for events.

Central Green: Greenspace for outdoor events and concerts.

Pavilion on the Green: Bright, window-filled pavilion that anchors the Central Green as a welcoming venue for student meetings, alumni and donor events.

Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center marks new “front door” to campus

Baylor University hosted a Feb. 21 groundbreaking ceremony for a significant project funded during the Give Light campaign, the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center. The event honored the philanthropy of Paula Hurd and the late Mark Hurd, who together provided the naming gift for the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center, and kicked off the construction of the 120,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility that will serve as an exciting new entry point to Baylor’s campus.

Paula Hurd and her daughters Kelly, BBA ’14, and Kathryn joined Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., and members of the Baylor Board of Regents to celebrate this significant project.

“True leaders step forward courageously when they are called upon to make bold decisions that will impact others for years to come,” Livingstone said. “Mark and Paula Hurd are truly leaders in every sense of the word for Baylor University. We are saddened that Mark could not be here to celebrate this historic day with us, but we are so thankful that we can honor his life and legacy at Baylor today and through this building that will bear his and Paula’s names.”

The groundbreaking served as a time to honor the legacy of Mark Hurd, a 1979 graduate of Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business, who died in October 2019. Mark Hurd was the chief executive officer (CEO) of Oracle Corporation and a member of Oracle’s board of directors. He also served as vice chairman for Baylor’s Board of Regents. Together, Mark and Paula Hurd served as co-chairs on the National Campaign Steering Committee for the Give Light Campaign.

The Hurds’ gift was the first major gift announced as part of the November 2018 public launch for Give Light. During that event, Mark Hurd spoke about the importance of supporting his alma mater and calling on his fellow alumni to give in support of the University’s aspirations for growth.

“Many people knew my husband Mark as a visionary business leader, so closely associated with creating significant growth at multiple companies. But, those who knew him personally knew that he was also passionate about giving back to the causes and organizations that he held dear,” Paula Hurd said. “As a family, we are proud that the welcome center will bear our family’s name and continue our family’s Baylor legacy — a legacy that began with him and continues through us. A legacy that is committed to serving our community and supporting programs and institutions that aim to have an impact upon our world.”

Site work on the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center is expected to begin this spring, with an anticipated completion date in spring 2022.