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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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Save the Date: 2025 Ronald H. Brown – American Journey Awards

Mark your calendars! We are thrilled to announce the 14th Annual Ronald H. Brown – American Journey Awards, an exclusive evening dedicated to celebrating visionary leadership, exceptional service, and the powerful impact of our Ron Brown Scholar Program community.

Date: Friday, March 21, 2025

Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC

Address: 1150 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Join us in honoring distinguished leaders and Scholars who embody Ronald H. Brown’s legacy through their dedication, leadership, and contributions to their communities. The evening will begin with a reception from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a seated dinner from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Honorees

We are excited to recognize the exceptional achievements of the following individuals:

Cecilia A. Conrad, Ph.D
CEO, Lever for Change; Board Director, Ex OfficioSenior Advisor, Collaborative Philanthropy and Fellows, MacArthur Foundation

Michael Russell, Sr.
CEO, H. J. Russell & Company

Lovette Russell
Senior Consultant, Coxe Curry & Associates; Chair of the Board of Trustees, Spelman College

Ron Brown Scholar Award Recipients

The evening will also highlight the achievements of outstanding Ron Brown Scholars with the following awards:

Jon Piper (RBS 1998)
Emerging Leadership Award

Caleb Franklin (RBS 2001)
Christopher A. Pilaro Fellowship in the Arts Award

Brennan Gould (RBS 2001)
Robert Binswanger Communitarian Award

Stay tuned for information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities. Your support and presence at this prestigious event will continue to fuel the impact of our Scholars and the enduring mission of the Ron Brown Scholar Program.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you on this special night!

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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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