Calvin Pugh

Embodying humility and grace, Calvin Pugh leads with the powerful example of observing and listening intentionally.

“Calvin has been instrumental to the success of the Black Male Excellence Network (also known as BMEN) over the past two years,” said his nominator, “through leading conversations, facilitating focus groups, and initiating opportunities for fellow black male students to engage one another and build community.”

Calvin started a book club for black male students discuss a book of their choice and reflect on ways to apply what they gain from the reading and discussion. He facilitates conversations and provides insight from his experience. His demonstrated vulnerability and consistent appreciation for those present inspires them to open up and engage authentically.

Calvin serves on the BMEN student Advisory Board as a liaison between the organization and the student body. During the BMEN conference in 2023, he served on the student panel to help high school students understand the importance and opportunities of higher education.

A senior studying geography in the College of Natural Resources and Environment, Calvin plans to use geographic information systems to help improve our world.

Calvin said he found a sense of belonging at Virginia Tech through service in organizations including BMEN and found fulfillment in finding ways to help others, like through the Campus Kitchen, distributing food to hunger relief agencies in the New River Valley.

“The highlight of my college experience was participating in the tree-planting event during Earth Week,” said Calvin. “This allowed me to connect with the broader Virginia Tech community and to contribute to sustainable practices and benefit research.” Calvin enjoyed the experience so much that he returned the following week to help the farmers plant all the trees that remained from the event.

Calvin’s passion lies in adventures outdoors, physical fitness, and playing golf, all of which he says help him relieve the stress of school.

Calvin said the lesson he would share from his Virginia Tech experience is patience. “Patience is not simply the ability to wait,” he said. “It's the art of maintaining calm while life unfolds, trusting that the journey is as important as the destination. The longer it takes to build something, the stronger it becomes.”

Calvin said that a large part of courageous leadership means “taking action when an opportunity is presented and encouraging others to do their best.”

“I am passionate about being a part of the BMEN program,” he said, “because it provides space to discuss issues that black male students struggle with at a predominantly white institution and engaging with perspectives that I would not have thought of on my own.”

For striking a path that makes it safe for others to find their way, it’s my pleasure to present the Aspire! Award for PREPARE FOR A LIFE OF COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP to Calvin Pugh, Jr.