The Russ Ortiz Scholarship
2026 Application Opens: December 1, 2025
Deadline to apply: July 15, 2026
Finalist selection notified by: August 1, 2026
Finalist interviews: Week of August 10, 2025
Scholarship winner announced: Week of September 1, 2026
To apply for the Russ Ortiz Scholarship Award, applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application package that includes the following components: personal and academic information, an essay question and extracurricular and community involvement.
Applicants selected for final consideration will be invited to participate in an interview round as the next step in the selection process. During this interview, you’ll have the opportunity to further showcase your qualifications, experiences, and commitment to academic excellence and community service. Selections for the three (3) one-thousand dollar ($1,000.00) scholarships will be made following the completion of the interview round. You may apply for the scholarship year-round, but awards will be granted at the beginning of each fall academic semester.
About the Russ Ortiz Scholarship
The Russ Ortiz Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship opportunity designed to recognize and support exceptional men in their academic journey. The Scholarship is named in honor of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity member and University of Oklahoma baseball player Russell Reid Ortiz. In 1994, Ortiz pitched for the Sooner team that would win the College World Series, cementing him as one of the best to wear the Crimson and Cream on the diamond. In 1995, he was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 4th round of the Major League draft and worked his way into the starting pitching rotation. In 2002, it was Ortiz’s outstanding pitching that led the Giants to the National League Pennant. In 2025, three (3) one-thousand-dollar ($1,000.00) scholarships will be awarded to men who embody the ideals of Russ Ortiz.
The Russ Ortiz Scholarship is rooted in the commitment to fostering academic excellence, character development, and community engagement; this scholarship seeks to honor individuals who embody these values. Open to incoming freshman or rising sophomore men pursuing a full-time higher education at the University of Oklahoma. This award aims to celebrate not only academic achievement, but also the demonstrated commitment to serving and enriching one’s community. By recognizing students who excel not only in the classroom, but also in their character and contributions to society, we aim to empower the next generation of leaders who will make a positive impact on their communities and beyond. If you are a dedicated student who embodies these principles, we encourage you to apply for the Russ Ortiz Scholarship and join us in our mission to promote excellence and service.