The President's Excellence award recognizes meritious service, dedication and contribution to the University beyond the requirements or expectations of the job. It is no doubt that the Lead Plumber of Local Maintenance Services, Ronald Sampson, exemplifies all these traits.

Ronald started his career as a plumber after his stepfather advised him to get a trade where he could start from the bottom and work his way to the top. He then went on to receive his journeyman plumber's license after which he began working at a plumbing company in Victoria, Texas just before joining the University of Houston twelve years ago.

He was surprised when he discovered that he was a recipient of the President's Excellence award because it took him many years to get here and is glad to be recognized for his skills, knowledge, dedication and years of service. Ronald is living out his dream of owning a 3-acre ranchette with a barn and horses with his family in Manvel.

He encourages students to be the best they can in any field they choose to be in and they can reach great heights by being consistent at being the best at what they do.

He plans to work with Facilities Services until he retires. He states "I love the work environment provided here and the new adventures I embark on each time I go on campus and fix up one of these old buildings."