Dr. Alice Pitt, a longstanding member of the York University community with nearly 30 years of service, has played a pivotal role in the university’s development. Starting as a professor in education in 1995, she later became the Dean of Education in 2008 and was the Vice Provost, Academic from 2012-2020. Her passion for program-level curriculum and student success figured prominently in her efforts to support the university’s growth and reputation.
As a dedicated educator and knowledge producer, Alice recently served as a Senior Advisor on the Markham Academic Strategic Planning committee, playing a key role in the inception of the Markham Campus.
“I was very interested in creating academic programming for students that crossed program and Faculty boundaries,” says Alice. “Evolving from the York experience we all know, I wanted to help build a sense of the ‘Markham experience’.”
Alice most recently served as Interim Vice President, Equity, People & Culture, and is looking ahead to the next chapter. She attributes her success to the inspiration and wisdom gained from colleagues and students across the university. Her creative contributions, from designing inclusive spaces to fostering interdisciplinary conversations on student learning, showcase her commitment to enhancing the university experience.
“As I reflect upon my career, I realize it’s such a privilege to work at York. York is more than just a cause for me – it constantly renews its promise to society, and that means it always needs support.”
To ensure York continues to thrive, Alice established a lasting legacy for future students at York University’s Markham Campus. She created a $25,000 endowed bursary that will benefit continuing undergraduate students facing financial hardship in their final year at the Markham Campus. Additionally, she has made arrangements in her Will for a future gift, ensuring ongoing support for students at both Markham and Keele campuses.
“York is more than just a cause for me - it constantly renews its promise to society, and that means it always needs support.”
Alice Pitt
“We need to think about the life-cycle of the student,” says Alice. “With so many hurdles, missteps, and obstacles that happen along the way, I want to make sure students are able to use their time and energy to focus on their best work by the time they’re in their last year.”
Now towards the end of her career, she wishes to inspire others to consider a legacy gift. “The legacy gift program really gives people an opportunity to think about planning in a way that’s informed by their passions and everything they care about. It’s a way to acknowledge the presence of those feelings in a way that lives out in the future.”