An electrical engineer who is known for his patents on various digital control panels including the touch pad on microwaves used all over the world, Sample became the University's twelfth President in 1982. He led the University to greater levels of recognition, as reflected in UB's election to the prestigious Association of American Universities. After leaving the University at Buffalo in 1991 he became the tenth President of the University of Southern California. In 2001, Sample wrote The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership, which was voted as one of the top 10 business books of that year. In 2004, the Sample received the "Chancellor's Medal," the most prestigious award given by the University bestowed to individuals whose accomplishments have greatly added to the prestige of the city of Buffalo and often to the University as well.