Executive leaves large gift to Nevada hometown

WINNEMUCCA -- A California executive is remembering his humble roots in rural Nevada with a gift to school children.

Ralph Whitworth, a managing member of a San Diego-based asset management firm, on Friday announced he and his family will commit $1 million to a fund for a tutoring program to better prepare Humboldt County high school students for college.

"The people of Winnemucca played a defining role in establishing my values and work ethic," Whitworth said in a written statement.

"Education has been, and continues to be, a central element in my life. This gift gives me a chance to help others achieve their goals and dreams through education."

Whitworth said the fund will provide tutoring and scholarships for students who want to attend college but are classified as "at risk" or lagging academically.

Program participants will be recommended by high school teachers and counselors.

Whitworth, who lives with his family in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., attended Humboldt County schools from 1965 through 1972.

He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a law degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

A principal of the Relational Investors asset management firm, Whitworth is also chairman of the board of Apria Healthcare Group and serves on the boards of an environmental services company and toy maker Mattel.