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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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Ron Brown Scholar Alumni Association

The first class of Ron Brown Scholars established the Ron Brown Alumni Association (RBSAA) in 2001. Alumni Scholars participate in the Association by staying connected with fellow alumni, mentoring other Scholars, supporting philanthropic initiatives, and giving back to the Program. Through communication and mentorship, alumni foster lifelong goodwill and strong connections among all Ron Brown Scholars. Additionally, they contribute personal funds to enhance and perpetuate the organization.

RBS CONNECT

 

What does the RBS Connect Alumni Network allow you to do?

How does this complement our existing social networks?

  • This is an exclusive professional and social community with access restricted to only our alumni.
  • Provides a safe, secure way to support one another for career connections, mentorship, professional advice etc.

RBSAA Chapters

Ron Brown Scholar Chapters provide an essential support network for Scholars. Members of the chapter come together regularly for both formal and informal events. These activities can include community service projects, guest lectures, meals, social gatherings, or attending special events together to support fellow Scholars, such as university concerts or poetry slams. There are no limits to the activities the chapter can undertake as a group.

Are you interested in getting more involved with the Ron Brown Scholars Alumni Association (RBSAA)? Would you like to reconnect with Scholars and alumni in your area? Are you seeking a support system while interning or working in a new city?

Click here to search the RBS Connect Directory.

Click here to host an RBSAA event in your city.

ALUMNI DIRECTORY
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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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