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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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By the Numbers

The uniqueness of the Ron Brown Scholar Program lies in the ongoing network it fosters among its 683 recipients, throughout their undergraduate years with a goal of sustaining a life-long alumni connections and fostering continued excellence, leadership and service. At the heart of the Program is an unshakable commitment to build and sustain networks which serve communities while emerging as a collective force making a genuine impact on the nation.

Established in 1996, the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP) aims to advance higher education and improve the lives of service-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans, and to accelerate their progress into impactful leadership roles and opportunities. This is done through Program initiatives which focus on college access and persistence, leadership training and workforce development. The Program supports more than 2,000 students annually through its three initiatives: The Signature Scholarship, The Guided Pathway Support Program (GPS) and the Ron Brown Leaders Network.

689

SCHOLARS

99%

GRADUATION RATE

1,329

CAPTAINS

6,168

GPS NAVIGATORS

TOP 10 Colleges by Attendance

  • Harvard College
  • Stanford University
  • Yale University
  • Princeton University
  • Columbia University
  • Brown University
  • Duke University
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • MIT
  • Cornell

TOP 10 HBCUs
by attendance

  • Howard University
  • Florida A&M University
  • North Carolina A&T University
  • Spelman College
  • Morehouse College
  • Bowie State University
  • Hampton University
  • Kentucky State University
  • South Carolina State University
  • Jackson State University

since inception...

  • RBSP has awarded more than $34 million in scholarships and leadership development, and a lifetime of personal support to all Ron Brown Scholars
  • Collectively, more than 90% have given back to the Program financially
  • The average household income for scholarship recipients is $41,000 over the last 5 years
  • Ron Brown Scholars boast a 99% college graduation rate
  • More than 60% attend Ivy League colleges and universities as undergraduates
  • More than 40% pursuing graduate or professional degrees
  • As of 2024, of the 683 scholarship recipients Scholars have obtained the following graduate degrees:
    • 32 Master of Business (MBA)
    • 35 Doctors of Philosophy, Public Health, Education (PhD, Dr,Ph, EdD)
    • 53 Juris Doctor (JD)
    • 37 Doctor of Medicine (MD)
    • 36 Master of Science
    • 21 Master of Arts
    • 19 Master of Public Health
    • 11 Master of Education
    • 7 Master of Public Administration
    • 5 Master of Fine Arts
    • 3 Master of Public Policy
    • 3 Master of Divinity
    • 3 Master of Engineering
    • 2 Master of Social Work
    • 2 Master of Theology
    • 1 Master of Philosophy
    • …with these numbers growing annually.

Empowering Excellence

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Ron Brown Scholars have gone on to excel in many professional fields evidenced by these successes:

  • Mr. Terence Carter, who oversees TV production and development for the independent studio founded by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith and creator of the hit show EMPIRE

  • Mrs. Katori Hall the Olivier Award- winning and two-time Tony-nominated Memphis-native and writer of the Tony-nominated musical Tina

  • Mr. Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York

  • Dr. Carmelle Norice, Clinical Director, Infectious Diseases at Merck

  • Former Congressman Mondaire Jones, representing New York’s 17th District

  • Ms. Amanda Alexander, founding Executive Director of the Detroit Justice Center

  • Dr. Ryan Stewart former Secretary of Education for the State of New Mexico.

The Ron Brown Leaders Network provides customized support to Scholars and Captains through an annual Leaders Summit, year-round career development services, and networking opportunities with corporate partners and 3000+ accomplished alumni.

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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