Name: Andy Kadlec

Major: Marketing

Organization: Tau Kappa Epsilon

You ladies make this town and this school a much better place for everybody. There are numerous organizations and events both on campus and in the community that would not be able to exist without your diligent service. You all have also made my time up in Duluth a lot more welcoming, fun, and pleasant. One of my first weekends up here, when I barely knew anyone in town I got invited to go out to the bars with Jen, Ellen, Itzen and Kari. I felt so welcome and included, that it is still one of my most memorable nights at UMD. Incidentally, that night also started my deep rooted love affair with you Sigs. After that weekend I got introduced to so many other wonderful ladies, and now I couldn't even imagine finishing college without you. I had as much fun at Sig Banquet as I did at RCB, and was deeply touched watching you all interact at the ceremony after dinner. I love all of you ladies, just because you are Sigs.

I believe I would be a good sweetheart, because I care about you ladies as much as my own guys. I love seeing you succeed and flourish on campus, and would love to help you grow. I really enjoy doing service with you ladies, and I believe my connections in the community would allow us to find new places in the community to make a difference. It has been a blast getting to know your new girls, and the night I helped them study for their test, I learned a lot about Gamma Sigma Sigma. I think every girl you activated this year adds a lot to your organization, and I couldn't imagine recruiting for any other sorority. As some of you may know, I love to cook, and would love to have more of an opportunity to do so for you ladies. While all of the candidates you have selected are fine choices, I believe I would make the best sweetheart, because I hold every one of you ladies close to my heart, and some of the best friends I have made are Sigs.

Ever since I moved to Duluth I've been involved in trying to make this place even better. I founded and continue to run a committee at Best Buy called The Voice. Our mission is to raise store morale while reaching out to address the needs of the community. Since March we have raised and donated over $6400 dollars, and have gotten over 50 employees out in the community getting involved in seven different events. I am also on the United Way Duluth Board for 2008-2009, serving as the division chair for the major retail division. My committee raised over $86,000 for the campaign, which was one of the only divisions that didn't see a significant drop in donations given the economy. I also take a lot of pride in helping out the Down up North foundation. While I was not able to attend Buddy Walk this year, I still helped raise over $700 for it. I've worked at the Damiano Center a few times, and look forward to doing some more events with you ladies, as I will have a little less on my plate with work and school starting Spring.

Service, Friendship, and equality are virtuous qualities to uphold, and I adhere to them diligently. I experienced my first rush of giving back when I did Meals on Wheels back home in Brainerd. It was such a good feeling to actually see what a difference I could make by helping someone in need, that I continued making a difference wherever I moved to. I feel like I have made a difference in this community, and am dedicated to continuing my efforts, as the economic crunch creates more need. My friends and family are the most important things in my life, as I would be nowhere without them. Being a transfer student from NDSU, I know how difficult it is to move somewhere after everyone has already found their group of friends. When I got plugged in to the Greek system, I felt incredibly welcomed and included. I now strive to make people feel welcome and important by extending the same friendliness that I was offered when I transferred here. As a gay person, equality is something that ends up being on my mind a lot. Having, in many situations, been the person having my rights and values infringed upon, I often times find myself examining the viewpoints and values of others. I believe having this unique perspective enables me to have a broad and open minded perspective, honoring the differences and equality of every individual.

Additional Comments:

Last year I turned down a sweetheart nomination from the Phi Sigs, and I knew holding out for a slim chance with you ladies would be worth it. I feel absolutely honored just to have been nominated. Spesh, JT, and Dwyer are all friends of mine, and it has been fun running against such fine candidates. You ladies have earned the right to, and deserve to be able to pick from four men that will honor and uphold your values, and I wish you the best of luck with your decision.