The atrium in the Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex was recently renovated and was officially reopened Wednesday.It was renamed the Clarence P. Cazalot, Jr. Marathon Oil Corporation Atrium after the contributors who made the renovation possible.Marathon Oil Corporation and its CEO, Clarence Cazalot Jr., gave a gift of $2.5 million to the University in 2008. One million dollars went to support for Basic Sciences, which led to the renovation of the atrium, and $1.5 million went to the College of Engineering.Kevin Carman, dean of the College of Basic Sciences, hosted the event, which included the ribbon-cutting ceremony.Carman pointed out the improvements made to the atrium during his speech. The skylight ceiling was redone to make the room brighter.Pictures now hang on the walls that double as acoustic panels to improve sound, and a large projection screen hangs on one of the walls.Carman said it was impossible for teachers to lecture in the atrium before the renovation because of the echo in the room. The pictures on the walls help minimize the effect of the echo and enable students to hear everything being said.Chancellor Michael Martin made a speech at the ceremony and said he appreciated the gift to the University. He also said he recognizes the opportunities this provides to the University.”Winners bet on winners, and this provides an example for others to bet on a winner like LSU,” he said.Cazalot, a University alumnus, also spoke at the event and said the gift was a token of his appreciation for the University.”My respect, my gratitude and my appreciation for all this institution has done for me is intact and undiminished,” he said.Cazalot said the industry went through a downturn, but Marathon Oil didn’t lay off any of its employees and didn’t stop hiring new graduates. Director of the LSU Foundation Beverly Major said she believes this demonstrates the company’s trust in the University and the ability of its students.Marathon Oil recruits on campus, and the newly renovated atrium also provides a good space for that, Major said.Michael Ruiz, geology sophomore, said he enjoys the pictures on the walls and the amount of light let in by the new skylight.”It’s a lot less gloomy,” he said.Martin said the gift shows the unique spirit the University instills in its supporters.”People who love LSU love it forever,” Martin said.—–Contact Rachel Warren at [email protected]