Steven Sample facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Steven Sample
Sample in 2010.
10th President of the University of Southern California
In office 1991–2010
Preceded by	James Zumberge
Succeeded by	C.L. Max Nikias
12th President of the University at Buffalo
In office 1982–1991
Preceded by	Robert L. Ketter
Succeeded by	William R. Greiner
Personal details
Born	Steven Browning Sample (1940-11-29)November 29, 1940 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Died	March 29, 2016(2016-03-29) (aged 75)
Alma mater	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Profession	Electrical engineering, Higher education, Academic administration

Steven Browning Sample (born November 29, 1940 – died March 29, 2016) was an important leader in education. He was the tenth president of the University of Southern California (USC). He led USC from 1991 until 2010. Before that, he was the twelfth president of the University at Buffalo (UB) from 1982 to 1991.

Steven Sample's Education Journey

Steven Sample was born on November 29, 1940. He grew up in Wilton, Connecticut. He earned a scholarship to study engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. There, he received three degrees in electrical engineering: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), a Master of Science (M.S.), and a Ph.D.

Sample's Career in Education

Steven Sample dedicated his career to leading universities. He made a big impact at two major schools: the University at Buffalo and the University of Southern California.

Leading the University at Buffalo

Sample was the president of the University at Buffalo from 1982 to 1991. During his time, he helped improve the university's sports programs. He also guided UB to become a major research institution. This meant the university focused more on important studies and discoveries.

Honors and Scholarships

In 2004, the University at Buffalo gave Sample its highest award, the Charles P. Norton Medal. Also in 2004, a special scholarship fund was created in his name. This scholarship helps students who study engineering and are part of the university's honors program.

Sample was proud of this honor. He said that the scholarship would forever connect his name with the University at Buffalo and its engineering school.

Leading the University of Southern California

Sample with the 2007 USC Trojans football team, celebrating a victory

Under Steven Sample's leadership, the University of Southern California (USC) became very famous. It was known for its work in communication and new technologies. USC also became well-known for helping its local community. It greatly improved its standing as a top research university.

For example, in 1999, USC was ranked #41 among U.S. universities. By 2010, his last year as president, USC moved up to #26. He announced in 2009 that he would step down in August 2010. He felt it was time for new leadership. After leaving his role, he taught a class at USC. On August 3, 2010, C.L. Max Nikias became the new president.

Raising Money for USC

Sample was very good at raising money for the university. He helped bring in over $430 million for research projects. He also led two big plans to make the university better overall. During his time, USC had one of the most successful fundraising campaigns in higher education history, collecting almost $3 billion.

These donations included large gifts from:

• Alfred Mann: $112.5 million for the Mann Institute of Biomedical Engineering.
• Ambassador Walter Annenberg: $120 million for the Annenberg Center for Communication.
• The Annenberg Foundation: another $100 million.
• The W. M. Keck Foundation: $110 million for the Keck School of Medicine.
• George Lucas: $175 million for the School of Cinematic Arts.

New Buildings at USC

Sample also oversaw the building of many important structures at USC. These included:

• The Leavey Library
• Popovich Hall
• The International Residential College at Parkside
• The Arts and Humanities Residential College at Parkside
• Ronald Tutor Hall

Other big projects were the Galen Center, the George Lucas Building, the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, and the University Hospital.

Sample's Research and Inventions

Steven Sample wrote many articles and papers about science, engineering, and higher education. He held patents for his inventions, especially for digital controls on appliances. His touch pads for microwave ovens were used by almost every major appliance maker worldwide. Over 300 million home appliances have been built using his ideas.

Teaching at USC

Sample truly loved teaching. He taught several classes to students at USC, covering different subjects and levels. One of his most recent classes was "The Art and Adventure of Leadership."

Steven Sample's Book

In 2002, Steven Sample published a book called The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership. In this book, he shared his personal ideas about leadership. He also gave advice to readers. The book explained his unique leadership style and how it helped USC grow during his time as president.

Steven Sample's Personal Life

In 2001, Steven Sample was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. However, he stated that this would not stop him from doing his job as president. He lived in San Marino, California. Steven Sample passed away on March 29, 2016, at the age of 75.