The Neeley School of Business is looking to expand and renovate with support from the largest gift the school has ever received.

Chancellor Victor Boschini announced in an email on Tuesday that Emeritus Trustee Spencer Hays ’59 and his wife, Marlene, gave $30 million to “help build the future of TCU,” according to the press release.

This donation is a foundational gift in a $100 million facility expansion to enhance the Intellectual Commons on TCU’s east campus.

The new facilities will be called the Marlene and Spencer Hays Business Commons and will include new east and south wings, a central atrium, an office complex, an auditorium and innovative classroom design.

“This monumental foundational gift will pave the way for our Neeley School of Business to continue on its upward trajectory by building both facilities and programs comparable to the very best national schools,” Boschini said in the press release.

Hays graduated from TCU with a B.S. in Commerce in 1959. The couple previously gave a naming gift for the Marlene and Spencer Hays Theater as well.

Hays is involved with the Tom James Company, the world’s largest manufacturer and direct seller of custom clothing, and is the Executive Chairman of the Southwestern Company, where he began a lifetime profession of direct selling as a TCU student selling books door to door for the company.

“Marlene and I are very excited,” Hays said in the press release. “We are investing in a space where business, innovation and the principles that drive all our businesses will come together to inspire future generations of students.”

The chancellor said in the press release that he is grateful for this historic gift and the Hays’ generosity and support of TCU.

Dr. O. Homer Erekson, the John V. Roach Dean of the Neeley School of Business at TCU said in the press release that he is thankful for “the spark it will provide to elevate our programs and facilities, thereby continuing to position Neeley as a top business school.”

According to the press release, Dean Erekson said “Spencer Hays represents the best of what we hope our students become – successful business leaders with a commitment to high moral values and to impacting the lives of others in significant positive ways.”