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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

Read His Full Biography

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Introducing the New Ron Brown Scholar Program Website: A Fresh Look, Same Transformative Mission

We are excited to announce the launch of our newly redesigned website! This digital space has been created to showcase the excellence and impact of the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP). Whether you are visiting us for the first time or have been part of our journey for years, our new website is designed with you in mind.

What’s New?

1. Streamlined, Mobile-Friendly Design

Our new website features a sleek, modern look that’s as intuitive as it is engaging. Designed to be fully responsive, it ensures you can access all our resources, stories, and opportunities seamlessly—whether on your phone, tablet, or desktop.

2. Dedicated Pages for Our Three Pillars

We’ve created focused sections for our Signature Scholarship, Leaders Network, and Guided Pathway Support Program (GPS). These pages dive deep into each program, highlighting their unique contributions to fostering the next generation of leaders.

3. Showcasing Our IMPACT

Our commitment to cultivating transformative leaders is now front and center. Explore Scholar Highlights, By the Numbers, and more to see the tangible results of our mission in action. These stories and statistics demonstrate the profound difference RBSP has made in lives, communities, and industries.

4. Deep Dive Into Ways to Get Involved

Whether you’re interested in donating, mentoring, or sponsoring our initiatives, the Get Involved section provides clear pathways to support RBSP’s mission. Together, we can continue creating opportunities for intellectually gifted and service-minded African Americans.

Gratitude for a Collaborative Effort

This redesign was led by our Digital Marketing Manager, Lincoln Barbour, with thoughtful design by Chris Conklin at Punch Buggy Design and expert development by Capture Create Media. Their collaboration has resulted in a website that is not only functional but also reflects the heart and vision of our program.

Explore the New Website Today

We invite you to take a tour of the new RBSP website. Dive into our programs, meet our Scholars, and find ways to join us in building a brighter future. This is more than just a new website; it’s a renewed commitment to our mission of empowering transformational leaders.

Visit us at www.ronbrown.org and let us know what you think!

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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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