Larry D. Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund

Larry Mitchell knew at a young age the importance of education.  In 1960 he wrote in a high school essay:

“Preparations for college should begin early in life.  Studying is one way to prepare for college…but another important preparation is putting aside some money for all the expenses of a higher education.”

Today his family and friends honor this and many other exemplary, lifelong attributes of Mr. Mitchell through the Larry D. Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Placer Community Foundation.  Contributions made to this endowed fund will provide scholarships to Placer High School and Analy High School students who are seeking to attend higher education.   

Raised on a dairy in Sebastopol, California, Larry Mitchell attended Analy High School, participated in football, basketball and baseball and graduated in 1960.  He was a 4-year member of CSF (California Scholarship Federation) and active in Student Government.  He later earned an AB in Engineering from Dartmouth College in 1964.  In 1966 he received his MBA from Stanford University and then served in the U.S. Army as an Instructor at the Engineering School at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia until 1968.  Mr. Mitchell then embarked on a prolific 29-year career with Hewlett-Packard, taking him to the Bay Area, Puerto Rico and Roseville.  After retiring, he actively served on several business boards including U.S. Bank, Placer Sierra Bank and Finisar Corporation.  He also served the community with his involvement in Pride Industries, United Way, Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth, U.C. Davis Graduate School of Management, American Leadership Forum and Valley Vision.  He and his wife of 45 years, Denise (Analy ’63), and their two children, Bruce (Placer ’84) and Scott (Placer ’88), settled in Auburn, California in August 1982.

When Larry and Denise Mitchell arrived in Auburn they were quick to visit the local schools and were active and supportive in both their sons’ academic and athletic endeavors while attending Placer High School. Upon his retirement, Mr. Mitchell enjoyed watching his grandkids,’ Nick (Placer ’11) and Macaylea Mitchell (Placer ’14), sporting events and developed a love of nature, fly-fishing and golf.  He passed away in Auburn on January 22, 2010.

Mr. Mitchell’s love and dedication to his family, years of community service and steadfast commitment to his work mark the qualities of a legacy that will be passed on to students through the Larry D. Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund.  The young Larry Mitchell was insightful to note in his 1960 essay:

“Students should definitely be aware of the scholarships and loans he may obtain.  Scholarships are a great help to students who have the scholastic standing to get them.”   

Contributions to the Larry D. Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Placer Community Foundation may be made by clicking here.

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