17 October 2022 – Faculty and staff of the University of British Columbia (UBC) as well as invited guests from the Filipino-Canadian community gathered at the UBC Irving K. Barber Learning Center on 12 October 2022 to witness the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and plaque unveiling of the Antonio and Marissa Peña Learning and Events Room.
The Peña Room, previously called as Lillooet room, was renovated thanks to the Peña Family Foundation’s generous donation to the UBC Library. The Foundation, headed by Tony and Marissa, aims to advance education by providing publicly available scholarships, bursaries, and other forms of financial assistance to deserving students.
Philippine Consulate General Maria Andrelita Austria attended the event to personally congratulate the Filipino benefactors who arrived in Canada from the Philippines in 1978.
UBC’s University Librarian Dr. Susan Parker shared that the generous gift from Tony and Marissa will enable them to expand programs and engaged learning opportunities. Meanwhile, Dr. Ainsley Carrey, Vice-President, Students, stressed the importance of the UBC library to the community. He added that a "library is an intentional space which requires leadership and generous support from donors.”
The Peña Room is located at the Irving K. Barber Learning Center (IKBLC) on UBC’s Vancouver Point Grey Campus. More than a study space, the room will host workshops and other unique learning opportunities open to all students. END
