ASU alum awarded Ellis Island Medal of Honor

Arizona State University alumnus Andrew F. Ortiz is a recipient of the prestigious 2016 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. The Ellis Island Medals of Honor are awarded to individuals who assist the less fortunate while showing compassion and generosity all while maintaining the traditions of their ethnic heritage.

Ortiz has three degrees from Arizona State University including a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1992), a Juris Doctorate of Law (1998) and a Masters in Public Administration (1999). Ortiz made his mark while at ASU as being one of the two original founders of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, the first Hispanic-Founded fraternity at ASU. It has since been a perennial leader in service hours rendered on campus and in the Greater Phoenix community.

Born and raised in Arizona, Ortiz has done tremendous works towards bettering his community.  Some of his various efforts include: mentoring and leadership training for children in Tempe and Guadalupe, passing eleven of the state’s current smoke-free clean indoor air ordinances, as well as helping needy families, the homeless and elderly. 

Ortiz is currently the President and CEO at Ortiz Leadership Systems, LLC, a leadership consulting and public speaking company.  He has served on numerous boards and commissions, including ASU’s Alumni Association and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Board of Directors.

“I hope to always be a strong representative of ASU, and of the School of Politics and Global Studies, in particular,” said Ortiz. “It is my mission to touch as many lives as I can through my life and leadership, and to motivate young people across America and around the globe to reach for their highest aspirations and to have the courage and passion to make their dreams reality.”

Ortiz’s passion for his work may best be exemplified by the slogan he created while at ASU: “Be a Leader, Be a Friend, Be of Service.”