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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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Save the Date: American Journey Awards 2024!

Come join us for the 2024 American Journey Awards! Mark your calendars for an inspiring celebration at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC, Friday, March 22nd, 2024.

A Night of Honoring Excellence

The American Journey Awards recognizes the remarkable achievements of individuals who exemplify the vision and ideals of the late Ronald H. Brown, who believed that personal success brings with it an obligation to do good—that a meaningful life is measured not by what we acquire, but by the relationships we build and the legacies we bequeath. In addition, we will honor our Ron Brown Scholar Alumni and their achievements in leadership, community and the arts.

This year, we have the privilege of celebrating extraordinary women whose journeys have inspired us all, along with three outstanding Ron Brown Scholar Alumni who continue to make a profound impact in their respective fields.

Click Here to Meet the Honorees

How You Can Get Involved:

This special evening is not only an opportunity to celebrate these outstanding individuals but also a chance for you to make a difference. Here’s how to can get involved:

  • Purchase Tickets: Join us in person for an unforgettable night. Reserve your seats early.
  • Corporate Sponsorship: Showcase your commitment to excellence and leadership by becoming a corporate sponsor. Your support helps make the American Journey Awards possible and contributes to our mission of empowering future leaders.
  • Spread the Word: Share this announcement with your network of colleagues and friends.

Visit the American Journey Awards website to purchase tickets and to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Stay Tuned for Updates

To stay updated on all things related to the American Journey Awards 2024, including ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities, visit our dedicated website.

We invite you to join us in honoring excellence, celebrating progress and supporting the next generation of leaders. Please save the date, and together, let’s make this an evening to remember.

For inquiries and further information, please contact Anita Karadia (akaradia@ronbrown.org)

We can’t wait to see you there!

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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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