The renowned SUNY Oswego arena and event center was given a new name before this upcoming hockey season and graduation period. 

In an unveiling ceremony on Oct. 1, the formerly known Marano Campus Center Arena and Convocation Hall is now known as the Deborah F. Stanley Ice Arena and Convocation Hall. Before all of this, it was simply named The Campus Center back in 2006 when it opened, and was the first new building on the campus in over 35 years. 

When it opened it only included the convocation hall and arena and some meeting rooms. In the fall of 2007, a food court, retail space, more meeting rooms and student activity areas were added to the campus center. The campus center renovations made the building 111,492 square feet and cost around $25.5 million in public and private funds.

 Seven years later in 2014, the campus center was named after the late Nunzio and Lorraine Marano who donated $7.5 million. The donation was the largest private donation in the history of SUNY Oswego. 

Another seven years later, the ice rink and event center name is being changed again to honor SUNY Oswego President Deborah Stanley. Stanley has been president of the school for over 25 years and was the 10th president in the school’s history. She was previously the interim president for two years after teaching for and earning tenure from the School of Business. She also served in administration as the vice president for Academic Affairs and Provost. She will be retiring after 44 years of service to this campus but not without leaving her mark. 

In the unveiling ceremony, Stanley watched as they pulled down the banner inside the historical arena and convocation center. Alumni, and former employees of the university watched and cheered when her name was finally revealed. Many are looking forward to seeing how Stanley will spend the rest of her time at SUNY Oswego before retiring on Jan. 1. Members of the campus and Oswego community can visit the newly named arena for the first men’s hockey game of the season on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

William Rogers | The Oswegonian