DECC Arena sells naming rights; UMD names chancellor

The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center's new $70 million addition will be named Amsoil Arena.

Amsoil, a manufacturer of synthetic lubricants and a Superior, WI, company, will pay the DECC $6 million over a 20-year term for the naming rights.

"Throughout the planning and construction process, the DECC Board has always sought ways to make this great new arena even greater for residents of the entire region," Mark Emmel, the DECC's board chair, said in a prepared statement.

"One important way of doing that is through a naming rights agreement, and we wanted to team up with a company that's local, has a reach far beyond this area, and has a reputation for excellence. Amsoil not only met but greatly exceeded all of those criteria, and we're looking forward to an exciting, long term relationship with them."

Albert J. Amatuzio, Amsoil's founder, president and CEO, said a partnership with the DECC is a perfect fit.

"Although Amsoil produces products that are used throughout the world, the vast majority of our employees live and work right here in the Twin Ports. This is our home," said Amatuzio. "We're honored to be associated with a facility that is so critical to the community's economy and image."

Amsoil Inc. was founded in 1972 by Amatuzio with his introduction of the world's first synthetic motor oil for automotive engines. Amsoil also introduced the first synthetic racing oil, diesel oil, marine oil and two-cycle oil.

New Minnesota Duluth chancellor

University of Minnesota president Robert Bruininks today announced the appointment of Dr. Lendley (Lynn) Black (right) as Minnesota Duluth's new chancellor.

Black's appointment is effective August 1, pending Board of Regents approval Friday.

Black, who currently is provost and vice president for academic affairs at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia, would succeed Chancellor Kathryn Martin, who will retire on July 31.

The College of St. Scholastica will confer a record number of degrees and certificates at its spring commencement Sunday at 2 p.m. in the DECC Arena.

A total of 758 degrees and certificates will be conferred, including 552 bachelor's degrees, 119 master's degrees, 29 graduate certificates, 53 Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees, and five Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees. This represents a 6 percent increase in total graduates from last year.

"We are extremely proud of this record number of graduates, in part because it reflects the growth in enrollment over the past several years, but also because it speaks well to our retention rate and four-year graduation rate," said Eric Berg, vice president of enrollment management. "A large graduating class like this is truly a celebration of all the hard work that goes into getting a degree, and we wish the best to all of our new graduates."

Lake Superior College (LSC) will recognize this year's graduating class at commencement exercises at DECC Auditorium on Monday at 3 p.m. More than 1,200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates will be awarded to the class of 2010.