Asian and Native American Center

Amigos Latinos Awards

The Melissa Ortiz-Bebbington Memorial Scholarship Awarded

Stephanie Patiño to be Honored at this Year's Amigos Latinos Gala as the Recipient of the Melissa Ortiz-Bebbington Memorial Scholarship

The Melissa Ortiz-Bebbington Memorial Scholarship was established in 2014 in honor of Melissa Ortiz-Bebbington. Melissa, who battled through cancer, passed away last September 2014. This annual scholarship seeks to recognize individuals who passionately empower and advocate on behalf of others. This year’s scholarship was awarded to Stephanie Patiño Garfias, a freshman International Studies major at Wright State University.

“Stephanie is very driven like Melissa. She is socially conscious about people’s needs. She goes out of her way and it’s her passion to help others. This is just how Melissa was,” said Tony Ortiz, father of Melissa and Vice President for the Office of Latino Affairs. “She is a great kid and she has a great future. When I told her she was awarded the scholarship, it was very emotional because she never got to meet Melissa. But they are so much alike.”

Melissa received two degrees, Bachelor's and Master's degree, while battling cancer. She was diagnosed her Junior year. The Office of Latino Affairs was created out of Melissa’s research and thesis on Latino student success.

“There are driven students out there that we need to get to Wright State University and recognize. These are the ones that are going to make a difference. We have to find them and then keep them here,” said Tony. “It is not about receiving the award. It’s about what it represents in continuing Melissa’s legacy of going out of our way to advocate and empower others.”

Stephanie represented WSU at this year’s LULAC Emerge Latino Conference in Washington D.C. She was involved in CW’s The Valley, representing the Latino community and recently, has been advocating heavily for the families of “The 43,” the missing Mexican students.

Estrella Alvarez, President of the Amigos Latinos Student Association, described Stephanie as “an energetic, strong willed, and independent Latina, who takes pride in advocating for Latino rights across the world.”   

We are so excited to honor Stephanie at this year's gala. Be sure to show your support and register today: wright.edu/amigoslatinosgala.