About Us
The Chapmans
Kay and Lloyd Chapman, Benefactors
“We chose to fund the Learning Commons because we’ve always believed that people learn best when they are engaged in discussion, sharing ideas and insights with one another.”
It is the often the most daring ideas that have the most impact. Nowhere is this more evident than in the support that Mrs. Kay Scott Chapman (1917-2012) and Dr. Lloyd Chapman (1918-2004) have given UBC Library. Longtime supporters of UBC, the Chapmans have inspired innovative projects and programs that have improved the quality of life of students, faculty and the wider community.
Mrs. Chapman attended UBC, and graduated in 1937. Her husband, Dr. Lloyd Chapman, attended UBC for one year before completing his degree in dentistry at the University of Toronto. Beginning in 1975, the Chapmans have made a yearly gift to the library, focusing their efforts on inventive projects with the highest degree of impact. Their dedication to innovative learning is evident in their gift to establish the Chapman Learning Commons, an exceptional facility that encourages group interaction and provides access to cutting-edge technology.
The Chapman Learning Commons officially opened in 2002, and reopened in 2008 in the newly completed Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. Located in the heritage section of the former Main Library, the Learning Commons has soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, and comfortable seating. The suite of programs and services offered in the Chapman Learning Commons support the Chapmans’ vision that discourse and debate with fellow learners greatly enhances the university experience by allowing the free exchange of ideas, theories and information.
The Dodsons
Suzanne Cates Dodson and Earl D. Dodson
The Dodson Room is a popular workshop space located in the Chapman Learning Commons, named in honour of Suzanne Cates Dodson (1933 – 2014) and her husband Earl D. Dodson (1928 – 2009), great friends and benefactors of UBC Library. This beautiful space was restored in 1999 to recapture its original appearance, which dates to the opening of Main Library in 1925. Suzanne Dodson’s career with the Library spanned 36 years, ending in 1999 with her retirement as Facilities and Preservation Manager. The Dodsons contributed numerous gifts to the Library for the restoration and upgrading of facilities, and Earl Dodson was a former member of the President’s Advisory Council on the University Library. For more information on the Dodsons and their legacy of giving to UBC Library, please visit The Dodsons: Champions of UBC Library.
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
