Candace Ortiz Memorial Scholarship
Candace Gray Ortiz was a 2015 graduate of the School of Physical Therapy. Candace was a gentle presence in her cohort. She was that quiet classmate who wasn't the best student or the most popular, but years later, when her classmates think of these formative days, Candace will be one of the first classmates they think of. She was innovative and studious and she wanted to make a difference! Candace found tremendous joy in her life, her love, and her new profession as a pediatric physical therapist. Not long after graduation, Candace married the love of her life, Ary Ortiz. Their enthusiastic and loving commitment to each other was infectious. They were elated to find out they were expecting, but during an early ultrasound, it was determined that Candace had cancer and she died only a short time later.
Ary and their families established the Candace Ortiz Award to recognize a student who demonstrates a desire to make a meaningful contribution to society now and in the future. This nominee would be involved and engaged in a balance of community, school, and work activities; would pursue goals and aspirations with integrity, resolution, self-discipline and sound judgment. He or she would exhibit selflessnes and concern for the well-being of others and exhibit grit when faced with hardship and would be creative and innovative in their solutions.