October 16, 2026 — Filipino Canadian philanthropists Antonio (Tony) and Marissa Peña made history at Langara College on October 8, 2026 with the unveiling of the Peña Family Foundation Nursing Laboratory, the first-ever named space in the college's history.
The milestone was highlighted by Yusuf Varachia, Langara's vice-president for external relations and community engagement, who emceed the ceremony as part of the college's Celebrating Generosity 2026 event.
The naming recognizes a donation from the Peña Family Foundation to renovate and enhance the college's nursing simulation laboratory, a 40-bed facility where students develop clinical skills and prepare for patient care.
"Philanthropy is not simply about giving money. The most valuable contribution we can make is our time, knowledge, attention, and compassion," Peña said.
Tony and Marissa Peña tour the newly named nursing simulation laboratory at Langara College.
Building social capital through education
In his remarks, Peña emphasized education's role in building social capital — the relationships, networks and trust that strengthen communities.
"What is the most valuable asset we could give to students? It isn't a diploma, but a network of trust," he said.
He stressed that education should go beyond academic achievement and career preparation to foster civic engagement, collaboration and empathy.
"Strong societies are not built by governments or institutions alone. They are built by ordinary people who choose to care about one another."
Peña described the foundation's support for the nursing laboratory as a response to British Columbia's health-care challenges and the need to educate future health-care professionals.
"The collaboration of the Peña Family Foundation in the enhancement and renovation of the nursing lab of Langara College is but fitting. We are building social capital," he said.
A legacy of supporting students
Originally from the Philippines, Tony and Marissa immigrated to Canada in 1978 and built a successful money services and shipping business serving Vancouver's Filipino community.
For more than a decade, the Peña Family Foundation has supported education and leadership development, helping approximately 50 post-secondary students in British Columbia and the Philippines.
According to Peña, nearly 40 per cent of the foundation's scholars have attended Langara College. The couple's first two scholars also graduated from Langara with Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing degrees.
One of British Columbia's leading post-secondary institutions, Langara serves more than 16,000 students annually. Its nursing program combines classroom instruction, simulation-based learning and clinical experience to prepare future registered nurses.
The impact of educational philanthropy was also reflected in the testimony of Leicester, a Term 7 nursing student and scholarship recipient who spoke at the celebration. An immigrant who faced financial challenges, Leicester shared how scholarship support allowed him to focus on his nursing studies.
"But beyond the financial assistance, it gave me something much more. It gave me hope," he said.
A lasting contribution
The unveiling was followed by a tour of Langara's newly expanded nursing wing and a reception attended by donors, students, alumni, faculty and community members.
Langara College President and CEO Dr. Paula Burns acknowledged the importance of philanthropy in helping students pursue meaningful careers and brighter futures.
Peña concluded his remarks with a reflection on the broader impact of giving:
"When generosity and trust come together, they create something far more valuable than wealth alone: a stronger, more compassionate, and more connected society."
Emmy Buccat is a Filipino Canadian writer and nonprofit professional advancing philanthropy in higher education in Canada, with a focus on equity and inclusion. In From the Thresholds, she writes reflective, analytic essays exploring Filipino culture, traditions, and community through the lens of first-generation immigrant life in Canada. The series lingers with questions and traces how our everyday lives unfold within the systems Filipino Canadians move through.
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