DENTON, Texas – The University of North Texas athletic department has announced that it has received a $1 million gift from former North Texas football letterman and current Houston businessman Jim McIngvale. The gift will be used toward the completion of construction on the new athletic center located on the former Eagle Point golf course.

“Because I have fond memories of my time as a football player at North Texas and am a big supporter of Coach Darrell Dickey today, I wanted to do something to help the athletics department,” McIngvale said. “I am hoping this donation will spark other people to help finish the facility.”

Owner of Gallery Furniture in Houston, McIngvale has built his business into the single-most successful furniture store in the United States. He has long been considered one of the most respected businessmen and philanthropist in Houston and has developed extensive corporate partnerships with various professional sports franchises and organizations.