A 2010 Southwestern graduate has been named to one of USA Today’s 2010 All-USA College Academic Teams. These annual awards honor students who not only excel academically but also extend their intellectual abilities beyond the classroom to benefit society.

Sarah Gould was one of 60 USA Today All-Academic team winners announced in the paper’s June 9 issue. She was named to the third team.

“This is a huge honor,” said Roger Young, director of Career Services. “Students from hundreds of universities all over the country apply.”

Young was the one who encouraged Gould to apply for the honor. “I thought she had a good chance of getting something,” he said.

Gould graduated cum laude from Southwestern in May with a major in English and a minor in business. While she was at Southwestern, she started the Mock Trial Team, helped revive the Brooks Prize Debate, and started a new organization called the Society of Young Women Leaders to mentor local high school women. She also was a participant in the Paideia program.

As part of the application process for the award, Gould had to write an essay describing her most outstanding intellectual endeavor done while in college. She wrote hers about the creation of the Society of Young Women Leaders.

“I am very honored and excited to receive this recognition,” Gould said.

Gould is getting married in July and will be moving to Virginia while her husband attends law school.

Gould is the second Southwestern student to be named to one of USA Today’s All-USA College Academic Teams. Psychology major Jennifer Knight received honorable mention recognition in 2000.