Dr. Tony Ortiz ’98 was awarded as the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences’ Distinguished Alumnus at this year’s Lauds and Laurels ceremony.
Now in its 53rd year, Lauds and Laurels is one of the oldest awards ceremonies at UCI. Dr. Oritz was recognized alongside this year’s other Distinguished Alumni at the 2024 Lauds and Laurels event on October 10th.
Dr. Ortiz earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCI and went on to complete a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University – Los Angeles. He is the CEO of NRC Research Institute and has over 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical research and development.
Through Lauds and Laurels, “a tradition that has recognized more than 800 members of the UC Irvine community for their service to the university, the community or their profession,” the UCI Alumni Association annually awards Anteaters from different schools throughout the university. Although Dr. Ortiz is not a graduate of the UCI School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, he has supported the school through his work with the Alumni Association and establishment of the Dr. Tony Ortiz Annual Scholarship in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. This year, the scholarship was awarded to its first recipient, PhD in Pharmacological Sciences student Carolina Franco.
“We are thrilled to honor Tony with the Lauds and Laurels Distinguished Alumnus Award this year,” said Sonia Batra, Director of Development for the UCI School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences. “His impressive work in drug development, along with his commitment and dedication to the UCI Alumni Board and his support of our PhD students, is exemplary of the professional and philanthropic achievements that Lauds and Laurels honors each year.”
Congratulations to Dr. Ortiz and all the 2024 Lauds and Laurels Distinguished Alumni!
