Run / Walk / Move for Ron Brown. Register Today.

APPLY NOW - 2027 Application is now open!

Tickets & Sponsorships Now Available for AJA 2025—Reserve Your Place!

Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

Read His Full Biography

Donate

Ryan Hatten (RBS 2007) Becomes Partner at Applegate & Thorn-Thomsen

The Ron Brown Scholar Program takes immense pride in congratulating Ryan Hatten (RBS 2007), one of our distinguished scholars, on his recent promotion to Partner at Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen Attorneys at Law. Ryan’s remarkable journey from scholar to partner is a testament to his unwavering dedication, legal prowess, and commitment to excellence.

Joining Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen Attorneys at Law in 2016, Ryan swiftly distinguished himself as a legal luminary with a passion for delivering exceptional results. Over the years, he has successfully represented not-for-profit and for-profit clients in many nationwide residential and commercial transactions.

The Ron Brown Scholar Program commends Ryan Hatten for his remarkable achievement and looks forward to witnessing his continued success in the legal field.

For more information about the Ryan, please visit www.att-law.com/people/ryan-hatten/

Share this post:

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.
GET INVOLVED