Pita Pit’s connection with Queen’s University goes back to its very foundation and the international fresh food chain recently honoured that link by creating a new bursary to support students.

In 1995, Pita Pit founder Nelson Lang opened his very first location just off the Queen’s campus, knowing that students would be the key to growing the brand.

Since then, the relationship between the two has continued to grow with two Pita Pit locations on campus, while the brand supports Queen’s Athletics and Recreation through various sponsorship opportunities.

Earlier this year, to celebrate the continued partnership – including two Pita Pit locations on campus – and to mark the brand’s 20^th anniversary, nearly 500 Pita Pit franchise owners, staff and vendors gathered at Queen’s for an international conference in July.

During the conference, Pita Pit franchisees, employees and vendors surprised Mr. Lang by unveiling a new way for Pita Pit to say thank you for two decades of support from Queen’s students, faculty, and staff, raising $104,000 to establish the Pita Pit Bursary in Honour of Nelson Lang.

“Pita Pit was founded on fresh thinking, and we are so lucky to have the opportunity to make positive impacts in the communities we serve,” Mr. Lang says. “Our connection with Kingston and Queen’s University has remained strong, even as the Pita Pit brand has expanded across the globe. Together, our Pita Pit family wanted to find a way to give back, and help the students and communities where Pita Pit locations operate.”

Financial assistance from the bursary will be awarded each year to a Queen’s student on the basis of demonstrated financial need. The recipient may be in any year, of any faculty or school at Queen's. Preference will be given to students who are current or past employees of a Pita Pit restaurant.

“Through its generosity, the Pita Pit bursary will assist in easing the financial burden for students who need this critical support to achieve their academic and personal goals,” says Queen’s Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney.  “This funding can help make the difference for some students between accessing post-secondary education and not being able to afford it.”

Under current parameters set by the Queen’s University Board of Trustees, Pita Pit’s initial bursary establishment of $104,000 will generate approximately $3,500 in annual student support.

Students can apply for the bursary online through the Queen’s student portal. The deadline for applications is Saturday, Oct. 31. The first award bursary will be given out in January 2016.

To learn more about the Nelson Lang Bursary, or to donate, visit www.givetoqueens.ca/pitapitbursary.