PNR: Philippine Nationality Room

How the Project Started 09.03.2007

The idea of a PNR first came about after an unsuccessful attempt to construct a building for the Filipino association in the mid-eighties. It was proposed as an alternative during the dissolution of the building fund.

The idea was revived in 1997. The Pilita Corales Concert in October 1998 was the first fund-raising event to support the PNR during this conceptual stage.

In early 2000, an ad hoc committee under the leadership of Warren Bulseco was formed to draw up plans for the PNR. A proposal was submitted to the Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh along with a deed gift of US$5,000. Approval of the project and assignment of Room 313 for the Philippine classroom was obtained later that year. Soon after, the FAAP launched its official campaign to raise money to build this room with the "On Wings of Songs 2000" Concert. Net proceeds from ticket sales and other previous events combined with various donations provided the seed money for the project in the amount of US$20,000.

PNR History Timeline 09.03.2007

20nn	Consult with the Director of the Nationality Rooms Program.
20nn	Form an Ad Hoc Committee. Assess community support.
20nn	Submit a proposal to the Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh.
20nn	Form a permanent classroom committee.
20nn	Declaration of Gift: Present $5,000 to the University. The fund is placed in the Committee's agency account to seed fund-raising.
20nn	Select space on the second or third floor of the Cathedral of Learning.
20nn	Plan a fund-raising campaign; establish a budget.
20nn	Develop a design concept. Submit in writing to Director, Nationality Rooms Program.
20nn	Select an architect registered in Pennsylvania. Submit name for University approval and hiring (contract is between University and architect).
20nn	Obtain preliminary designs.
20nn	Obtain final designs.
20nn	Obtain approval of the final design by the Room Committee and the University.
20nn	Architect: Prepare contract documents.
20nn	University of Pittsburgh: Invite construction bids.
20nn	Room Committee: Provide total construction costs for deposit in the Room's building fund at the University.
20nn	University of Pittsburgh: Negotiate the contract.
20nn	Construction – Architect of Record attends weekly site meetings with Nationality Rooms Program Director and other relevant staff.
20nn	Create Ceremonial Key. Prepare Dedication Booklet.
20nn	Dedication.
20nn	Organize Committee and Room records for University Archives.
20nn	Continue Intercultural Programs, scholarships for Summer Study Abroad.
20nn	University of Pittsburgh: Maintain Room in perpetuity.

Documents 09.07.2007

• Nationality Rooms Director congratulates the decision to build 05.10.2000
• PNR Committee asks permission from the University of Pittsburgh to build 05.22.2000
• University Chancellor grants approval of the project 09.19.2000