Andrew Gould ‘26 Elected Vice President

Image courtesy of Andrew Gould

By CARLY CANSECO ‘27

Public speaking is a difficult task for many. Going up on stage, perfecting elocution, executing strong rhetoric, and engaging with crowds is daunting. Almost every Tuesday evening, upper Andrew Gould’s eloquence can be heard from the Assembly Hall during weekly Daniel Webster Debate Society meetings. Political jargon, philosophical references, and laughter echo through the marble foyer. During the vice-president candidate speeches, Gould displayed a snippet of his verbal adeptness last week. As the newly elected vice-president of the student council, he will soon exhibit more. 

Gould derived inspiration to run for vice-president from alumnus Hunter Ryerson, a senior last year. “Hunter has been my close mentor and friend, constantly pushing me to do more and be more,” Gould described. “He has supported me through my darkest moments, encouraged me during my highest, and showed me the value of discipline, dedication, and love. Hunter pushed me to run when I wasn’t sure if I should or was able to, and I am so grateful to him and everything he has done for me.”

Gould is from Beverly, MA, and has lived in Cilley Hall for three years. He was drawn to Exeter because of its emphasis on open dialogue and collaboration. “Through middle school, I loved musing with friends about the questions of life and politics. However, I never really felt I got to have these discussions in my classes,” he said. “Harkness was a big draw for me, not just because it’s a great way to learn, but because of the environment it creates, one that rewards the ability to engage deeply in intellectual discussion.”

“The students at this school have so much to offer; everyone has their unique talents and interests, and everyone is eager to share their passions with the rest of us,” Gould added. 

Gould’s passion for public speaking is reflected in his presence in several oratory clubs and extracurriculars: school productions as the lead role in the fall play “The Book of Will” and in the play he wrote for DRAMAT, “A Change in Mood,” Mock Trial, and the Daniel Webster Debate Society. Additionally, he is in the Philosophy Club, Catholic Exonians, and Ethics Bowl. 

Gould described himself as “a big yapper” and praised public speaking because it “forces you to have broad general knowledge on many different topics and read politics, foreign policy, economics, and philosophy.” 

“Public speaking strikes at the core of who we are: rational but emotional,” he elaborated. “It’s not enough to win a debate on mere technicalities. Nobody changes their mind that way. To convince others, you must compel them, make them feel something, and motivate them to act on those feelings. That’s how real change happens.”

As the head of the Recreation Committee, Gould has focused on community engagement and bringing joy to the Academy. “It is really important that we enjoy our time at Exeter,” he said. “This place can be exhausting, with constant pressure and expectations. I ran into this, but we need to ensure that as much as we work hard, we also get to play hard. StuCo is the main opportunity for students to voice their concerns.” 

As vice president, Gould plans to involve all of StuCo. “I want to engage with the people, not just sit in front of the Forum during meetings and do homework,” he said. I want to be very involved and engaged, meet with the committee coheads, offer advice, and attend committee meetings.”

More expansively, Gould also seeks to organize StuCo structure to maximize efficiency. “I think there needs to be more structure in how the committees are organized, a bit more enforcement of participating in StuCO, so StuCo can run smoother.”

“My main concern is boosting the dorm experience,” Gould elaborated. “I want to fight for dorm merch, continue the Dorm Cup, and ensure that dorm funds are well spent.”

Gould concluded, “Have faith, put in the work, and believe that when you show effort, things will work out. Dedication to your fellow students and taking real action to improve Exeter will pay off in this administration.”