SUPERVISOR RIDLEY-THOMAS AND THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HONOR OUTGOING USC PRESIDENT STEVEN B. SAMPLE
Board declares May 16-22 as "Dr. Steven B. and Kathryn Sample Week"
Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas led the chorus of praise for Dr. Steven B. Sample, outgoing President of the University of Southern California (USC) who helped position the campus as a world leader in research, a regional economic leader, and a community partner.
About a dozen members of the USC Trojan Marching Band paraded into the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room to honor Dr. Sample.
The small group of Trojans generated a big sound, opening with the "William Tell Overture,'' typically played at the start of the fourth quarter at USC games.
Dr. Sample and members of the Board stood through a rousing mini-rendition of ''Fight On,'' the USC fight song, and flashed the Trojan's victory sign as the band finished with "Conquest.''
In 1991, Dr. Sample became the 10th president of USC. In celebration of his retirement and in recognition of his and his wife Kathryn’s tremendous contributions, the Board declared May 16-22 as "Dr. Steven B. and Kathryn Sample Week" throughout Los Angeles County at its regular meeting on May 18.
“He has provided visionary leadership on several fronts, ranging from fundraising for the University's dynamic goals, to community programs that benefit the neighborhoods surrounding both the main and health sciences campuses,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said.
Dr. Sample stressed the close relationship between the school's success and
the county's success, noting that USC – which employs 22,000 County residents – is the fifth-largest private employer in the county and the largest private employer in the city.
Additionally, Dr. Sample highlighted the USC's partnership with the County on the delivery of quality medical services. The County-USC Medical Center trains 900 medical residents and treats more than one million people each year, including ''the poorest of the poor,'' the outgoing president said.
“Over the years, Dr. and Mrs. Sample have shown a great understanding of the need for cooperative relationships between entities such as the County and USC. As such, they have produced a culture of community partnership that has made USC a great force in the County of Los Angeles, and throughout the world,” the Supervisor said.
The Supervisor said that Mrs. Sample provided significant support to the USC community serving as the “consummate first lady” during Dr. Sample's tenure, welcoming over 2,000 guests annually into her home.
“For these and other tremendous contributions to the County of Los Angeles, we thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Sample, for your contributions to the USC community and the Los Angeles County community at large.”
