Regis and Joan Duffy were honored by Holland College and the Holland College Foundation today with the naming of the Regis & Joan Duffy Library on the Prince of Wales Campus. The well-known couple have been generously supporting Holland College and its students since 2009, making investments in student financial aid, the establishment of the Florence Simmons Performance Hall, and the revitalization of The Culinary Institute of Canada. 

“The naming of the library for Joan and me was a lovely surprise,” said Dr. Duffy. “We both appreciate Holland College’s approach to practical, experiential training and are proud supporters of lifelong learning.  We’ve always believed that pursuing an education is a wonderful goal.”

As Holland College’s main library, the Regis & Joan Duffy Library is a hub of activity for students, staff, and the surrounding community.  Located in the heart of the Prince of Wales Campus, the library serves as a gathering space for students doing small group work, a quiet space for those doing independent work, and a research space rich with texts, databases, and periodicals.  Library staff offer academic assistance and other support, including special initiatives during exam periods to help alleviate student stress.

To Joan Duffy, a library is a fitting space for their recognition.

“Regis and I have a great love of libraries, having spent many of our early days in libraries doing research.  Although they’ve changed somewhat in recent decades, libraries will always play an important role in our communities.  We are delighted to have our names attached to this special space at Holland College.”

Dr. Sandy MacDonald, President of Holland College, expressed tremendous gratitude for the leadership of the Duffys in the advancement of the college over the last decade.

“Regis and Joan have been long-time supporters of Holland College and the Holland College Foundation,” said Dr. MacDonald.  “Their generosity over the years has been remarkable and speaks volumes about their commitment to supporting post-secondary education.  We are proud to recognize and celebrate their leadership by naming the Regis & Joan Duffy Library on the Prince of Wales Campus.”

The Regis & Joan Duffy Library is located adjacent to the Credit Union Café inside the Charlottetown Centre at the Prince of Wales Campus. The library is open from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

In this picture: (L-R) Mike O’Brien, chair of the Holland College Board of Governors; Joan Duffy; Dr. Sandy MacDonald, Holland College president; Regis Duffy; and Ron Keefe, Chair of the Holland College Foundation Board of Directors, prepare to enter the Regis & Joan Duffy Library on the Prince of Wales Campus.