As students returned to classes last week, UA’s fifth “game-changer” was announced.

Tyler Schwartz, the fifth of eight “game-changers” and a campus resident assistant (RA), is a junior pursuing a degree in electrical engineering technology

Mathematics professor Irina Chernikova nominated Schwartz for the game-changer award based on his work-ethic and willingness to help other students.

“I have found Tyler to be one of the best students to work with. His efforts in my classes were exemplary, grades-superb. He is friendly, always tries to help the other students and creates good atmosphere around himself,” Chernikova said.

“I was extremely shocked and obviously super excited when I found out I won the award,” Schwartz said.  “It was a good feeling being able to tell my parents in person and to see the faces they made when I told them.”

Schwartz has been highly involved on campus since his freshman year, where he spent his first year as an emerging leader. The Emerging Leaders Program is an opportunity for freshmen UA students to become integrated into campus residence life and activities.

From his emerging leader experience, Schwartz was selected and has been an RA and community assistant (CA) for the past two years. Aside from maintaining his residence life schedule, Schwartz is also involved with the AK-Rowdies and intramural sports.

“If you want to have the best college experience possible, like I have so far, definitely get involved on campus, meet new people, do new things, and step out of your comfort zone,” Schwartz said.