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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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PlumeStrong Gala Philanthropic Dinner: A Night of Support and Celebration

We are thrilled to share that the #PlumeStrong Gala Philanthropic Dinner was a resounding success! This special evening, hosted by our partners Plume Design at Cyrus Restaurant, was set amidst the beautiful Sonoma County vineyards at harvest time. The event brought together supporters, partners, and friends of the Ron Brown Scholar Program for an unforgettable night supporting our mission.

We sincerely thank Fahri Diner, Plume Design, and everyone who attended or contributed to this evening. Your support will transform the lives of young Black entrepreneurs and help inspire a new generation of innovation and leadership.

The funds raised through this event will be the driving force behind the Ron Brown Venture Lab, a newly launched initiative committed to empowering Black founders with the resources they need to launch and scale their entrepreneurial ventures.

To learn more about #PlumeStrong, visit plumestrong.plume.com

To learn more about the Ron Brown Venture Lab, click here.

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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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