The Marano Campus Center Arena and Convocation Hall was officially renamed the Deborah F. Stanley Arena and Convocation Hall on Oct. 1 at a luncheon which had SUNY Oswego campus faculty and state leaders in attendance.

SUNY Oswego President Deborah Stanley will be retiring on Dec. 31 after 26 years of being in charge. Stanley said it was because of this longevity that she was allowed to oversee and lead several initiatives around campus. The arena, which hosts both the men’s and women’s hockey team, was one of those projects that Stanley had looked to accomplish early on in her reign at SUNY Oswego.

The arena was originally a parking lot that Stanley put a sticky note on an aerial picture of campus, which cemented her plans for the area. In 2006, the building was finished and now it will forever be named after her due to a $2.4 million donation from alumni. 

In a press release from SUNY Oswego on Oct. 1, it was revealed that the Oswego College Foundation Board led the charge on the name change. 

“Donors, led by the Oswego College Foundation board, have raised more than $2.4 million to name the Deborah F. Stanley Arena and Convocation Hall. College Foundation Board Chair Rose Cardamone Crane, an alumna from the Class of 1981, made the announcement earlier today at SUNY Oswego’s Founder’s Weekend luncheon — a celebration of 160 years of higher learning.” 

The luncheon also saw the announcement by City of Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow that Oct. 1, 2021 will be Deborah F. Stanley Day in the city. He signed a proclamation and presented Stanley with a plaque to represent the day. Barlow spoke of trying to find an ally in Oswego early on in his mayorship. 

“The award recognizes President Stanley’s outstanding leadership at SUNY Oswego and her immeasurable positive impact and contributions to the Oswego community and all of Central New York,” Barlow said in a press release. 

Barlow and Stanley both praised each other for a successful partnership and Barlow spoke of wanting to be a leader just like Stanley. 

SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras was present for the entire day of activities on the SUNY Oswego campus and took the stage to thank Stanley for her ability to lead Oswego through so much during her tenure. 

Malatras went on to say that everyone should follow and lead with “Stanley swagger,” a praise for the relentless initiative that she showed throughout her tenure. He eventually presented Stanley with a picture that featured herself and followed the example of former President Barack Obama’s 2008 “hope” campaign poster that was frequentlyused during his campaign.  used during his campaign. 

SUNY Oswego she has exemplified the truest definition of leadership, deep commitment to academic excellence and her students-first principle that she has lived by during her entire tenure,” Malatras said. “There is no better way to honor President Stanley’s legacy of accomplishments and love for the campus and its entire community than the naming of SUNY Oswego’s Arena and Convocation Hall after one of the most respected and admired SUNY presidents.”

Malatras also said how hard but important it will be to replace Stanley after her retirement and praised her for hard work and dedication to the school.

“President Stanley is a model of how to be a leader,” Malatras said. “How to have a vision and to be a student-centric leader. [SUNY] Oswego is one of the most successful colleges we have in the SUNY system. It is one of the most successful colleges in the nation. I think finding a leader to replace President Stanley is going to be really hard. We have so much positive momentum going here that the search for a new president is going to be crucial.”

Several SUNY Board of Trustees were present for the event. Board member Eunice Lewin agreed with Malatras’ comments on the student-centric approach. 

“President Stanley has a longstanding history of advocating for students and offering spaces where they can realize their true potential,” Lewin said. “As one of the leading voices on critical issues such as mental health and wellness, the core of her partnership with the Board of Trustees was always student-centric. As the heart and soul of SUNY Oswego during her presidency, naming the arena and convocation hall after President Stanley could not be more fitting. Her leadership and dedication to students is a legacy that should continue to be celebrated.” 

Board member Robert Duffy spoke of Stanley’s ability to connect with the local community and complimented her skills as a leader. 

“President Stanley has amassed a great depth of experience in higher education and fostering student success over the past 26 years,” Duffy said. “Her ability to partner both with SUNY Oswego and the community, specifically with local officials and businesses, made her a great fit for students as they developed gateways to professional success and personal growth. I congratulate President Stanley for her time at SUNY Oswego and setting the standard for ideal leadership on our college campuses.”

Stanley thanked her family during her speech at the end of the luncheon, while class of ‘76 and Today Show anchor Al Roker zoomed into the event to thank Stanley. It appeared that she was fighting back tears at times during her speech. After the event, Stanley was smiling from all the recognition. 

“It is unbelievable, I am a little bit stunned, the videos I did not expect,” Stanley said. “It is magnificent, people are so kind. I certainly feel grateful, humble and just happy. It feels amazing that I will be connected to this institution for a long time.”

Image from SUNY Oswego via Oswego.edu