As a consultant, fundraiser, manager and teacher, Chris is driven to help non-profits attract more resources for their missions. Since joining Plus Delta Partners in 2013, he has coached over 600 gift officers and managers in higher education, health care, academic medicine, and independent schools.
Chris’ prior experience includes fundraising roles at Villanova University and the
University of Pennsylvania. He has also offered courses on the philanthropic process, primarily through Penn’s Higher Education Management Program. Author of three articles, co-author of another and co-author of one book chapter, he has presented workshops and sessions at national conferences on fundraising and student affairs administration.
Chris holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Virginia where he studied the motivations of high capacity donors. He earned a M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from the University of Vermont and a B.A. in Chemistry with a specialization in Biochemistry from the University of Virginia.
He currently serves as a board member for the Chester County Art Association. He lives in West Chester, PA with his bride, Dottie, and their two children, John and Emma. When he isn’t busy with family and work, you can find him rooting for the Cavaliers and making music with his band.
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.
