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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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Partners

CORPORATE PARTNERS

The Ron Brown Scholar Program depends upon support from corporate partners and scholarship sponsors to advance higher education and improve the lives of intellectually gifted and public service-minded young people. We invite you to become a sponsor of the Ron Brown Scholar Program to help today’s youth become the leaders of tomorrow. To learn more about becoming a Sponsor, please contact Anita Karadia at akaradia@ronbrown.org or call 434-964-1588.

BECOME A PARTNER

Educational partners

The Ron Brown Scholar Program depends upon support from corporate partners and scholarship sponsors to advance higher education and improve the lives of intellectually gifted and public service-minded young people. We invite you to become a sponsor of the Ron Brown Scholar Program to help today’s youth become the leaders of tomorrow. To learn more about becoming a Sponsor, please contact the GPS Team at gpsprogram@ronbrown.org or call 434-964-1588.

scholarship sponsors

The Ron Brown Scholar Program depends upon support from corporate partners and scholarship sponsors to advance higher education and improve the lives of intellectually gifted and public service-minded young people. We invite you to become a sponsor of the Ron Brown Scholar Program to help today’s youth become the leaders of tomorrow. To learn more about becoming a Sponsor Sponsor, please contact Anita Karadia at akaradia@ronbrown.org or call 434-964-1588.

At Apex, we are dedicated to accelerating the shift to a clean energy future. The Ron Brown Scholar Program helps advance this mission, empowering the next generation of leaders and equipping them with the diverse perspectives and skills needed to drive change, be it within the renewable energy sphere or beyond. We are honored to support RBSP and look forward to witnessing the positive impact these emerging leaders will undoubtedly make in shaping a better, more sustainable world.
Ken Young
Ken Young Apex Clean Energy CEO

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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