Hope Jackson Selected as Schwarzman Scholar

We are thrilled to announce that Hope Jackson (RBS 2016) will join the prestigious Schwarzman Scholars Program. This competitive fellowship is a testament to Hope’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to addressing critical global challenges.

Hope is a public health researcher, economist, and consultant whose career has centered on reproductive justice and women’s health. Hope holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University, where she majored in Biology and Global Health after which she earned an MPH in health systems, policy, and public health economics from Johns Hopkins University. Both a startup enthusiast and trained doula, Hope aims to help create entrepreneurial solutions for women’s health issues. Her unique expertise in domestic and international landscapes alongside her academic training positions Hope for success.

As a Schwarzman Scholar, Hope will join an elite group of future leaders dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between China and the rest of the world. She will expand her expertise regarding reproductive health policy, develop a global perspective on women’s health challenges, and refine her leadership skills.

We are incredibly proud of Hope’s accomplishments and excited to see the impact she will continue to make as a Schwarzman Scholar and beyond. Her achievements are a testament to the excellence, resilience, and service-minded leadership that define the Ron Brown Scholar community, and we share in this success.

Congratulations, Hope, on this extraordinary achievement!

Read the announcements here:

Schwarzman Scholars Announcement

Duke Today Announcement

Forbes Announcement

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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.