Ortiz earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Whittier. After earning his M.A. from George Williams College (now Aurora University), he returned to Whittier to answer his calling in teaching. He later founded and directed the Center for Mexican American Affairs, a precursor to the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI). Named in his honor, the Ortiz Programs, housed within the OEI, seek to expand knowledge and awareness of the Latino culture, language, and history through a variety of events and activities.
In Wichita, his many contributions to education are memorialized at Ortiz Elementary School, located near Ortiz’s childhood home.
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