Chris Middleton, RBS 2012 is halfway through his time as a law clerk in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. The courtroom that I work in has a lengthy and significant connection to the civil rights movement. Specifically, I’m in the former courtroom and chambers of Judge Frank Johnson. Judge Johnson presided over notable cases that included allowing the Selma to Montgomery March to take place and ruling for Rosa Parks, thus ending racial segregation on public buses in Montgomery. Judge Johnson also issued opinions that ordered the racial integration of public and civic life in Alabama. His decisions protected voting rights for Black people, ensured Black women and men were able to serve on juries, and ruled in favor of protecting the rights of prisoners. Judge Myron Thompson succeeded him, and Chris has had the honor and responsibility of working here since this past August. As Chris hopes to have a career as a civil rights attorney, it has been a blessing to start his legal career in a place that has such a proud legacy. Chris is also grateful to be a lot closer to his two hometowns of Hot Coffee, MS and Newport News, VA after not being able to visit during the heights of the pandemic.
Chris will be heading back to the Bay Area at the end of his clerkship to start his fellowship at the Youth Law Center (YLC) in San Francisco. At YLC he will primarily pursue impact litigation and policy advocacy opportunities to support California’s queer youth in foster care, group homes, institutions/facilities, and juvenile detention. He will focus on two goals, (1) improving the provision of mental healthcare and gender affirming care and (2) decreasing discrimination and abuse that is based on sexual orientation, gender expression, and/or gender identity.
In his free time, Chris enjoys hiking, camping, and baking Southern desserts. He is also beginning to rediscover the joy of being in cinemas, theaters, listening to live music, and just being in crowded places again. Chris has also utilized his weekends to explore the South and welcomes suggestions of cities or places he should explore during his last few months in Montgomery.
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Cal LaRoche, a brilliant and dedicated advisor and champion of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, who left us on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025.
Born in New York in January 1946, Cal graduated from Central State University in Ohio, where he joined the Eta Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. His career spanned decades of leadership and innovation, beginning at the National Security Agency and continuing through key roles at IBM, SkyTel Communications, and The Orkand Corporation.
A visionary entrepreneur, Cal later co-founded DC Ventures and Associates.
His commitment to service was unwavering. Cal chaired the Boards of Trustees at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda and Norwood School and served with distinction for 15 years on the Advisory Board of the Ron Brown Scholar Program. His leadership extended to the Beta Mu, Boulé Foundation Board, where he served as Chair, and to Patients For Affordable Drugs, where he was a founding board member and Treasurer.
An avid golfer and advocate for equity in the sport, Cal co-founded the Pro-Duffer/Carter Foundation Scholarship to promote diversity in golf. A long-time member of TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, he was as passionate about creating opportunity as he was about the game itself.
Cal’s legacy is carried on by his beloved family: his mother, Lucille “Gloria” David; his wife, Esperanza, and their sons, CJ and Ethan; his former wife, Cheryl LaRoche; their daughters, Gina LaRoche, Renee LaRoche-Morris, and Danielle LaRoche; six grandchildren; and his siblings. His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering belief in the potential of young people will remain an enduring part of the Ron Brown Scholar community.
We are forever grateful for Cal’s enduring support, leadership, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, generosity, and deep humanity. He will be deeply missed.
