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Remembering Our Dear Friend Cal LaRoche

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Run / Walk / Move for Ron Brown

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown

Run/Walk/Move for Ron Brown

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Walk With Us to Increase Educational Opportunities

Thirty years ago, the Ron Brown Scholar Program was born from a profound promise: to build a lifelong community committed to doing good. A trailblazer and man of action, Secretary Ronald H. Brown, famously challenged all of us to “keep the door open and the ladder down for others to follow”.

Since 1996, The Ron Brown Scholar Program has been that very ladder, ensuring we lift as we climb. Today, that vision has grown into a global family of leaders who connect and lift each other up to ever greater heights. This year, we’re celebrating the impact of Secretary Ronald H. Brown and the Program’s 30th anniversary with Striding Forward, Reaching Back — a day of activity to fund the next 30 years of impact and educational opportunities. 

RUN/WALK/MOVE for Ron anywhere and anytime between 07/26/2026-08/01/2026.  Sign up by July 10, 2026 to guarantee a t-shirt and one in your size. 

How To Get Involved

We invite everyone from around the world to join us for the Run/Walk/Move for Ron Brown.

The race proudly supports the Ron Brown Scholar Program which provides  scholarships, leadership development, and guidance to low-income, high achieving young African Americans to help them achieve their highest potential.

Race registration is $30 beginning June 15, 2026. Registration includes a t-shirt that’s comfortable for running or everyday wear while supplies last.

Sign up by July 10, 2026 to guarantee a t-shirt and one in your size. 

Here’s what to do:

  • Participants register as individuals.
  • Complete the online registration form.
  • Create and Tell Your Story and Set A Fundraising Goal on Your Page.
  • Read and Sign the participant waiver. (Event Waiver)
  • Pay the $30 registration fee. You may also register kids at a rate of $15.
  • Receive your confirmation email.
  • Your race t-shirt will be mailed to you. Sign up by July 10, 2026 to guarantee a t-shirt and one in your size. 
  • Invite friends and family to register and fundraise with you as a team. Family and friends can join from anywhere.
  • Plan to Run/Walk/ or Move on Saturday, August 1, 2026 or any day between July 26 and August 1st! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

We extend our thanks to all of our sponsors and friends who are helping to make this event special.

No race refunds will be given.


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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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