M. Cecile Forte Ph.D.

M. Cecile Forte, Ph.D. was educated in New York State's public and private schools. Dr. Forte received her doctoral degree from Hofstra University in 1975. For 34 years she enjoyed a successful career as a teacher, administrator and consultant to public schools, colleges, and universities on Long Island. She enjoyed a national reputation as an author and a specialist in Developmental Education as well as an expert in the accreditation of colleges and universities in the continental U.S. and Puerto Rico. She began her career as an English teacher in the Union Free School District 5 in Freeport, New York. Realizing the needs of her students in the area of literacy, she chose to pursue a Master's Degree in Reading Instruction. Wanting greater expertise and desiring to expand her circle of service, she entered the doctoral program in Reading and Learning Disabilities, graduating while employed at Suffolk County Community College, where she designed and supervised the Reading Program and Department. The Women's Group and the Women's Studies Program at the college recognized and honored "...her distinctive performance and loving concern for the students, faculty and staff." In 1986 she served as Interim Associate Director for the Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1987 she received New York City Technical College's Presidential Award and delivered the Commencement Address in the same year. In 1996 she became Central Academic Dean for all three campuses and the 22,000+ student body at Suffolk Community College and retired with distinction in 2001. At her retirement party, 18 students representing the schools and colleges where Dr. Forte had been employed praised her contributions to their careers and their lives with eloquence and admiration. Dr. Forte was awarded Outstanding Educator by County Executive Robert Gaffney for her contributions to education in Suffolk County that same evening. A 12-year member of the John T. Mather Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, Dr. Forte served on Brookhaven Town's Ethics Board for three years. She was also a member of Brookhaven Town's Planning Board beginning in 2002, and was appointed Chair in 2005. In 2011, Dr. Forte ran for Brookhaven Town Supervisor, the first African-American female to do so in the Town's 357 year history. In 2014, soon after the passing of her husband, David Pike, Dr. Forte relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia to be close to her son, David Pike II, and her daughter-in-law, Anne Pike. Ever wanting to have an impact on her community, she became involved locally, serving on the Women's Initiative Board, Paramount Theater Board, and the Election Board. Additionally, in keeping with her background in education, Dr. Forte started a small business tutoring young people with an emphasis on public speaking. Dr. Forte authored three textbooks and three trade books, titles including BREAKING THE READING BARRIER, STOLEN LOVE: POETRY FOR CHEATERS, MY HUSBAND MADE A MAN OUTA ME AND I RESENT IT! and the very popular, WISE WOMEN DON'T HAVE HOT FLASHES THEY HAVE POWER SURGES! In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America at www.alzfdn.org.