In Memory of Edgar Efren Pagan Ortiz

Edgar Efren Pagan Ortiz, 56, of Cary, NC, formerly of Ponce, Puerto Rico, passed away, Saturday, November 7, 2015 at WakeMed in Apex. Edgar was a longtime member of AIChE for thirty-five years.

Edgar was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico on January 30, 1959. He was a chemical engineering graduate of the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez. Edgar was the Global Director of Manufacturing at Arkema. He was a courageous and respected leader whose impact was felt across multiple functions, countries, and levels within the organization. Edgar held a variety of technical and manufacturing leadership positions in North America and overseas during his 35 years of service. Arkema will miss him dearly; his passion, his unwavering dedication, and most importantly, his love for his immediate and extended work family.

Edgar’s family always admired his steadfast commitment and dedication to the chemical engineering profession. He tried endlessly to convince each of his three children to study engineering to no avail.  Edgar was a strong inspiration to all those around him, including the many young professionals he informally mentored and coached at ArKema. Edgar helped countless young men and women following in his footsteps improve their careers and strive to be their best selves.

It was Edgar’s passion for supporting minority students and young professionals that inspired his family to create a lasting tribute in his honor at AIChE, celebrating his commitment to diversity in the chemical engineering profession and his personal efforts to support the next generation of leaders.

You can make a gift in memory of Edgar Efren Pagan Ortiz, supporting AIChE Minority Programs.

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