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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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GPS Navigators Awarded Full Scholarships Through QuestBridge

We are overjoyed to celebrate the incredible achievements of our Guided Pathway Support Program (GPS) Navigators, who were recently awarded full scholarships to some of the nation’s top colleges through the prestigious QuestBridge National College Match Program! These outstanding students have demonstrated resilience, academic excellence, and leadership, securing transformative opportunities to pursue their dreams.

QuestBridge, a national nonprofit organization, connects high-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to leading colleges and universities. This year’s winners include an inspiring group of GPS Navigators who will make their mark on these esteemed institutions and beyond.

Congratulations to Our GPS Navigators!

Here are the remarkable students and the colleges they will be attending:

  • Amehlia Adams – Rice University
  • Iman Babiker – MIT
  • Kaliyah Cherubin – Tufts University
  • Ugonma Chike-Kalu – Emory University
  • Marianelle Jean-Francois – Dartmouth College
  • Caleb Joel – Stanford University
  • Geair Justice – Dartmouth College
  • Amari Lopez – Columbia University
  • Emily Maikoo – Emory University
  • Chikanma Okoisor – Rice University
  • Tyler Scott – Rice University
  • Oluwademilade Seyi-Idowu – Washington & Lee University

A Testament to the Power of GPS

Through GPS, these students received the resources, guidance, and encouragement needed to navigate the college application process confidently. With support from our dedicated advisors, webinars, essay reviews, and a community of peers, these Navigators unlocked doors to opportunities they once dreamed of.

We are immensely proud of each of these Navigators for their hard work, determination, and commitment to excellence. Their success reflects the mission of GPS: to empower African-American students to realize their full potential and secure bright futures.

Join the Celebration!

Please help us celebrate these extraordinary students by sharing their stories and supporting GPS. Together, we can continue to uplift and guide more students toward their academic and personal goals.

For more information about the GPS program or how to get involved, visit our website. Let’s keep the momentum going and inspire even more students to achieve!

Read the full press release from QuestBridge here: https://www.questbridge.org/about/news/press-release-december-2-2024

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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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