For Kristoffer Bjornbak, the title of “Difference Maker” is not a title to be given. “It is something you have to be, every day, in every aspect of your life,” he said.

Kristoffer dreams of working within the United Nations, helping to bring about peaceful and diplomatic solutions to world issues. If his time at University of Michigan-Dearborn is any indication, he is well on his way to having a global impact.

During the 2011-2012 academic year, Kristoffer worked with the University’s international students, helping them adjust to a new environment.

“Having been given the opportunity to introduce them to the multiple facets of American culture while learning about their cultures has been rewarding and inspiring to me,” he said.

His desire to help others goes beyond the walls of the University. He volunteers with Gleaners Food Bank and the Michigan Children’s Leukemia Foundation and has worked with the International Office to organize a six-day trip to New York City for 29 Oman students.

On campus, Kristoffer has been involved in a variety of student organizations, including the Global Fest planning committee and the Association of Student Anthropologists (ASA).

When he became president of ASA in 2010, the organization had only five members and two events per year. Now, ASA has more than 40 members and averages 55 events each year. Highlights have included field trips to the Field Museum in Chicago and the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.