Gavin McFarland began his career in the world of finance where he worked as a managing director Pacific EPOCH, a China equity advisory firm. Felicitously, this encouraged him to become fluent in Mandarin, studying at Middlebury Language Institute and the Taipei Language Institute in Beijing China. Prior to his work in China, Gavin was as a private wealth manager at UBS. Using his skills learned in finance, Gavin then became an entrepreneur and helped found and develop the online portals myfolder.com (an early desktop application) and pingmd.com (one of the first online medical consultation and telemedicine portals).
Film is a passion of Gavin’s and he worked as a Producer at Force Pictures. One of his most notable films was called “Tugs”, which told the story of the boats and sailors that ferry goods up and down the Hudson River. Most recently, Gavin earned his EMT license in Philadelphia where he helps keep people safe at large concerts and sporting events. Gavin graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in English.
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.
