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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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Ahmed Muhammad (RBS 2021) Interview on Fox 2 KTVU Oakland for Kits Cubed

We are thrilled to share that one of our outstanding Ron Brown Scholars, Ahmed Muhammad (RBS 2021), was recently interviewed on Fox 2 KTVU Oakland, where he discussed his groundbreaking nonprofit, Kits Cubed.

Kits Cubed is a youth-led organization based in Oakland, CA. Ahmed founded it in April 2020 while he was still a student at Oakland Technical High School. What started as a small passion project to inspire a love of science in Ahmed’s younger niece and nephew has become a thriving nonprofit dedicated to making STEM education fun, affordable, and accessible for all youth.

Ahmed is a prime example of what makes our Ron Brown Scholars truly special. These young leaders give back to their communities and make the world a better place by taking action and creating initiatives that inspire and uplift others. Through Kits Cubed, Ahmed and his team of young leaders have been making a significant impact in the Bay Area, nurturing the curiosity and passion of countless young scientists.

Kits Cubed STEM Fair

Mark your calendars for September 14th, 2024, from 10 AM to 3 PM at Oakland Tech. This event promises a day filled with fun, interactive science activities for the whole family. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Bay Area’s young scientists and to continue nurturing their curiosity and passion for STEM.

For more details and to register for the STEM Fair, visit the Kits Cubed website.

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In Memoriam:
Cal LaRoche (1946–2025)

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.
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