COSAM News Articles 2023 September Congratulations to Vince Ortiz, 2023 NOBCChE Presidential Award recipient

Congratulations to Vince Ortiz, 2023 NOBCChE Presidential Award recipient

Published: 10/03/2023

For Joseph Vincent “Vince” Ortiz, chemistry was more than a career--it is his passion.

Ortiz spent almost two decades at Auburn University teaching and mentoring students. Ortiz, who retired earlier this year, has received the 2023 Presidential Award from the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE).

According to NOBCChE, this award is "bestowed by the NOBCChE Board of Directors for individuals who have contributed significantly to the success and betterment of the NOBCChE Organization."

The award is beautifully inscribed with the message:

For your leadership as an advocate for many years for underrepresented communities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

For 14 years, he was the faculty advisor for NOBCChE at Auburn University, advising and encouraging students to excel in preparation for careers in chemistry.

Ortiz, who is both a Fellow of the American Chemical Society and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, earned his doctorate degree in chemistry from the University of Florida.

He has contributed to over 250 publications and delivered over 220 invited lectures during his career.

To view a video from the 50th Annual Meeting of NOBCChE in New Orleans, Louisiana, press play on the video below. Ortiz is featured at the 1:02 mark.