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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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Announcing Our Spring 2024 Newsletter

We are thrilled to share our Spring 2024 Newsletter filled with exciting updates, heartfelt stories, and significant milestones from the Ron Brown Scholar Program community. Here’s a snapshot of the highlights:

American Journey Awards Recap

The American Journey Awards are always a remarkable event, and this year was no exception. The evening was filled with poignant speeches, heartfelt moments, and a shared commitment to our values. 

Announcing the 2024 Scholarship Winners

We are delighted to introduce the 2024 Ron Brown Scholarship winners. This year’s cohort is comprised of exceptionally talented and driven individuals, and we are excited to see the bright futures they will carve out with our program’s support.

A Generous Contribution from Jon Piper (RBS 1998)

We are immensely grateful to announce a generous donation from Scholar Alum Jon Piper. Jon’s commitment to supporting future Scholars exemplifies the spirit of giving back that lies at the heart of our community. His contribution will significantly impact our ongoing efforts to nurture and empower the next generation of leaders.

Podcast Season 1 Wrap Up

The first season of our podcast, “The Value of One, The Power of All,” has ended. This season, hosted by Ray Pryor (RBS 2015), featured inspiring conversations with RBS entrepreneurs, exploring their journeys and the power of the RBS community. Stay tuned for what’s coming in Season 2!

For the full newsletter and detailed stories, click the button below. 

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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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