04/24/2026
The CESS Our Common Ground Spotlight for April is Cal Aguiar! We celebrate Cal for embracing value of Respect.
Cal is a senior majoring in Social Work. “The social work program is all about community and connection,” he says, including a deep respect for differences in identities and experiences. Cal is a non-traditional student and single parent. In his coursework, Cal has valued critical reflection and has grown his appreciation for complex experiences and identities. Currently interning at Howard Center, Cal chose social work for its “broad sense of direction. I wanted the ability to explore multiple avenues after graduation.”
After graduating in May with a Bachelor’s degree, Cal will continue on to UVM’s Master of Counseling program to become a school counselor. He explains, “I didn’t have the proper role models to help get me through high school. I want to be a counselor who makes sure students are getting their needs met.”
Each month, CESS celebrates a member of our community for their exceptional teaching, practice, research, leadership, community development and/or service related to UVM’s Our Common Ground values – respect, integrity, innovation, openness, justice, and responsibility. Learn more at uvm.edu/president/our-common-ground
Which student, faculty, staff, alumnus, or community partner would you like to recognize? Submit a name at go.uvm.edu/SpotlightCESS !