Although he helped bring his fraternity through a tough year, and she assisted in uniting the three greek councils on campus, both the Greek Man and Woman of the Year were surprised to receive the award.

“I knew the others who would apply, and I didn’t think I was as qualified,” said Aaron Peterson, member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, 140 Lynn Ave.

Maria Miller, member of Pi Beta Phi, 208 Ash Ave., also was astonished at the recognition.

“There are so many women in the greek community who deserve this award,” said Miller, senior in journalism and mass communication. “I don’t know how they can pick one person.”

Peterson, senior in chemical engineering, and Miller were honored as Greek Man and Woman of the Year at the Vespers Awards Sunday night in Stephens Auditorium. The awards kicked off the celebration of Greek Week.

Peterson said he was moved by the crowd response as he accepted the award.

“I could see those who I had gotten to know or had contact with [were] standing,” Peterson said. “That was cool to me.”

Miller said each chapter nominates candidates for the award. The candidates then receive a letter informing them of their nomination.

Nominees must turn in an application with three letters of recommendation, a r‚sum‚ and a one-page personal statement.

Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Greek Affairs Brian Tenclinger said a panel of 20 anonymous faculty and staff members judge the applications.

Tenclinger said the Greek Man and Woman winners have had some amazing experiences in the greek system.

“I am proud students like these are in the greek community touching the lives of others,” he said.

Peterson said he thought he was awarded for helping guide his fraternity, which he was president of this past year, through some hard times.

“While I was president, our membership grew from 30 to nearly 50 members,” Peterson said. “We went from being tied for last in grades to the top 10.”

This past year, Miller was public relations director of Panhellenic Council. Her mission was uniting the three greek governing councils: Panhellenic, Interfraternity and National Pan-hellenic.

“My main goal last year was to educate each council about the other councils,” she said.

Both Miller and Peterson stressed the importance of Greek Week.

Peterson said the week is a chance to “dispel the elitist” stereotypes about greeks. “Those who are not greek can learn what we are really about,” he said.

Miller said Greek Week is special to her because it shows what an impact a unified force can make.

“Every chapter works for one goal,” she said. “When we all work together, we can be very powerful.”