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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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Cornerstone Research Joins the Ron Brown – Ruth and Norman Rales – Leaders Network

We are pleased to announce Cornerstone Research as our newest partner in the Ron Brown Ruth and Normal Rales – Leaders Network. A leader in economic and financial consulting, Cornerstone Research joins our network of talented individuals and organizations committed to positive global impact.

Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial analysis and expert testimony in all phases of complex disputes and regulatory investigations. The firm works with prominent academic and industry experts to address challenging issues arising in complex business litigation.  

We look forward to introducing our students and alumni with Cornerstone Research’s eight-week summer internship program and full-time analyst roles.

The firm stands out for its impressive team of subject-matter experts working across more than thirty fields and practice areas. Cornerstone Research is known for collegiality and fosters a workplace that values trust and belonging. With strong core values in close alignment with those of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, Cornerstone Research is a welcome addition to the Ron Brown Ruth and Normal Rales family.

You can learn more about this exciting company at www.cornerstone.com/about/about-us/

Welcome, Cornerstone Research, to the Ron Brown Leaders Network!

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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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