Oakland University's Maria Willett Wins 2013 TKE International Sweetheart

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Tau Kappa Epsilon Offices of the Grand Chapter is proud to announce the winner of the 2013 TKE International Sweetheart Scholarship– Miss Maria Willett. This year the contestant field was full of highly qualified and worthy candidates. Maria is a representative from the Upsilon-Xi chapter at Oakland University. The member of Gamma Phi Beta was notified of her selection last week.

"I was in complete shock," said Miss Willett. "Words cannot explain the amazing moment when I read my letter and saw that I had been chosen. It is such a huge honor to be the International Sweetheart, and I truly feel blessed to have been given this opportunity."

A Political Science Major, Maria has a long list of involvement with state and student government. She has served as the Research and Review Chair of the Oakland University Student Congress, Vice-President and Secretary of the Oakland University Democrats, and was a Summer Intern for Michigan U.S Senator Carl Levin. Her civic engagement impacted the TKE chapter as she helped with fundraising, philanthropy, recruitment, and planning the Red Carnation Ball.

Maria hopes to pursue a Masters in Public Administration and become involved in local government, as well as continue to support the Oakland University Center for Autism Research, Education, and Support.

Maria has been a part of Tau Kappa Epsilon since her first day on campus. The Upsilon-Xi chapter helped her move into her dorm room, and ever since that day Maria has become a mentor and good friend to the chapter. "TKE has shown me the importance of always striving to do your best. Whether it's by doing community service, leading others, or being there when your brothers need you. They have always made their values of love, charity, and esteem a priority. In an effort to create better men for a better world, they have helped me to become a better woman for a better world," said Maria.

Maria Willett has been a sweetheart to the Upsilon-Xi chapter for many years, and this achievement marks her beginning as the 2013 TKE International Sweetheart for years to follow. 

For more information, please contact:
Kyle Erdman
Communications Specialist
317.872.6533
KErdman@tke.org