(NewsNation) — HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have knocked it out of the park with their latest contribution to their alma mater.
The “Fixer Upper” couple donated the largest-ever gift to the Baylor University baseball program, the school said in a news release. The couple’s lifestyle company, Magnolia, will support the program’s anticipated capital projects and will have the naming rights for the university’s baseball field — Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark.
“The consistent presence and generosity of Chip and Joanna through their time and resources have been invaluable to Baylor University over these past 12 years,” Baylor President Linda Livingstone said. “Their hospitality through the ongoing operations of Magnolia Silos and its brand extensions has given Baylor new opportunities to connect with our Central Texas neighbors and visitors from around the world.”
Doug McNamee, vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics at Baylor, added, “We celebrate the generosity of Magnolia and the Gaines Family and are encouraged by others who will follow as we continue investing in this tradition-rich program that consistently produces outstanding representatives of our institution.”
A former college baseball player, Chip Gaines graduated from Baylor in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Joanna Gaines graduated three years later with a degree in communication.
“Baylor has always been more than a university to us — it’s a place that shaped who we are and continues to shape leaders who care deeply about people,” said Chip and Joanna Gaines. “Baseball, in particular, has played a meaningful role in our family for generations. It’s where lessons are passed down, relationships are built, and memories are made — on and off the field.”
The Gaines launched Magnolia Network in 2020. The network airs a variety of home and lifestyle shows.