Martin Ortiz, Whittier College alumnus, dies

We have more information on Monday's death of Martin Ortiz, 89, the founder of Whittier College's Center of Mexican American Affairs.

Officials say Ortiz, who had Parkinson's Disease, died from complications of a lung infection. He had been hospitalized since Christmas but was released Friday to his home in Whittier.

A memorial service is being planned; however, in lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the college's Martin Ortiz Endowed Scholarship.

Those donations can be sent to Whittier College, Office of Advancement, 13406 Philadelphia Street, P.O. Box 634, Whittier, CA 90608. Checks should include a note that it is for the Martin Ortiz Endowed Scholarship.

Ortiz was the sole Latino in his 1948 graduating class and later went on to found the college's Center of Mexican American Affairs in the 1970s.