Baylor University is pleased to announce a $3.7 million donation from Jay and Jenny Allison of Frisco, Texas, in support of the Give Light Capital Fund, as well as scholarships for Baylor Law and the George W. Truett Theological Seminary. To recognize the couple’s philanthropy, the university will name the Jay and Jenny Allison Development Center within the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion.
Mack B. Rhoades IV, Baylor Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, expressed gratitude for the Allisons’ ongoing support of Baylor Athletics, including their most recent gift, which will play a crucial role in preparing student-athletes for success.
The majority of the Allisons’ gift supports the Give Light campaign’s capital priorities, with an additional $200,000 split evenly between Baylor Law and Truett to create the Jay and Jenny Allison Endowed Scholarship in Law and the Jay and Jenny Allison Endowed Scholarship for Truett Seminary.
David Rosselli, Baylor Vice President for Advancement, celebrated the Allisons’ generosity, acknowledging their commitment to the university’s Christian mission through support of students and institutional priorities.
The Jay and Jenny Allison Development Center, located within the Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion, will offer dedicated practice and training facilities for Baylor’s NCAA National Championship Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs. The center will feature private practice courts, locker rooms, team lounges, coaching staff offices, and shared sports performance spaces.
The Foster Pavilion, a 223,547-square-foot facility, will become the new home for Baylor Basketball. With a seating capacity of over 7,000, the pavilion will provide improved sight lines and concession access, fostering a spirited home-court advantage. Construction began in March 2022, with the pavilion’s opening scheduled for January 2024 and the Allison Development Center’s completion expected in Summer 2024.
Jay and Jenny Allison have been steadfast supporters of Baylor University since their graduation. Their contributions have advanced the university’s mission and left a lasting legacy. The Allisons’ visionary giving includes lead gifts for the Jay and Jenny Allison Indoor Football Practice Facility, the Basketball Hall of Honor, support for McLane Stadium and the Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation, as well as numerous endowed student scholarships.
The Allisons’ commitment to Baylor extends beyond financial support; they have also dedicated their time as volunteers, serving in various leadership positions, including co-chairs for the National Campaign Steering Committee for the Give Light Campaign.
Since its launch in November 2018, the Give Light campaign has raised $1.29 billion from 88,685 donors, establishing 791 endowed scholarships and 44 endowed faculty positions. For more information or to support Give Light: The Campaign for Baylor, visit www.baylor.edu/givelight.
Central Texas Reporter 