Learning Commons:Chapman Learning Commons/The Peñas

The Peñas

Marissa and Antonio Peña

This room is dedicated in honour of Antonio and Marissa Peña, friends of the Library and benefactors to UBC. Originally from the Philippines, Tony and Marissa operated a successful money services and shipping business for many years, serving the Filipino Canadian community throughout Canada. In 2005, they were among the founding members of Societe Lifeline Society, a charitable organization established to support cancer research and raise awareness of non-related stem cell transplantation. In 2014, with permission from the Society’s Board of Directors, they changed the name to the Peña Family Foundation and turned their philanthropic focus to secondary and post-secondary students. Tony and Marissa then became involved in a number of programs designed to assist students new to Canada, including support for English language learners and mentorship for students adapting to a new culture.

Through a generous gift from the Peña Family Foundation, UBC Library has renovated this space to offer unique learning opportunities and deliver engaging events and programming to students, faculty, staff, and the UBC community. The room has been renamed The Antonio and Marissa Peña Learning and Events Room in their honour.

Officially opened April 2020