As the years go by and students come and go, the kindness of his brushstroke remains the same. Meet Bao Sahn Liang, a longtime painter who has been uplifting the reputation of Residential Facilities through outstanding service to our students since 2006.
Bao isn’t just known for his trade skills — he’s known for his heart. Every room he enters, he brings more than just tools and supplies; he brings a quiet determination to make someone’s day better.
“He was amazing! Not only did he finish his work in a timely manner, but he was also super kind and helped me with other maintenance issues... He genuinely wanted to help out in any way that he could and I appreciated that heavily. We need more staff like Bao Liang!” wrote one student in an online submission.
We couldn’t agree more. Bao approaches every task with full hands and an open heart, often taking care of small maintenance issues beyond his assignment, simply because he noticed and wanted to help. On every visit, he completes two jobs: the one he was assigned and the one he chooses — to make a student’s day a little better. His student-first mindset is a living example of the Division of Student Affairs' Strategic Commitment: “We put Students First.”
Bao not only lives by the Paint Shop motto, “Treat our students the same way you’d want your children to be treated,” says Haywood Mobley, Paint Shop supervisor — he embodies it.
Every fall semester, Residential Facilities staff welcome a new class of students — and for the past 18 years, Bao has renewed his quiet promise to get to know them and make their residential experience exceptional. While the social norms of student engagement evolve with each generation, Bao continues his quest — one genuine connection at a time. His ability to meet students where they are, year after year, creates a shared sense of value. Because when a moment is rooted in kindness, both the student and the painter walk away with more than they had before.
“This morning I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bao Liang. He came to patch and repaint some spots in my room and was very respectful to me and my roommates. He noticed our instruments and mentioned he was in a band. He finished his job quickly and efficiently, and we talked for a long time about many things. Our conversation was insightful and I enjoyed talking to him. I wish him well,” reads a comment card. “...He reminded me of a teacher I used to have when I was a kid…” writes another student.
With every interaction, he builds community, reminding students that our staff is here not just to fix, repair, or restore — but to connect, care, and uplift. One thing is for certain: Bao never leaves a student’s room without asking, “Is there anything else I can do for you?” Students have taken him up on that offer more than once, with requests ranging from loose doorknobs to leaky faucets, and Mr. Bao always delivers. But his attentiveness extends beyond the residence halls.
Last summer, Bao noticed that a summer contingent employee from Dining Services — who had joined the Paint Shop to assist with seasonal work — seemed disoriented. Trusting his instincts, Bao acted quickly, helping the staff member get medical attention just in time. The individual, unaware of an underlying condition, was ultimately safe thanks to Bao’s care and quick thinking.
Over the years, Bao has received so many student comment cards he’s lost count. Yet each one means something to him. These expressions of appreciation motivate him and serve as encouragement for his children: “When you do your best, others notice — and that can inspire the next generation.”
There’s more to Bao than meets the eye. He once worked as a chef, and his colleagues still talk about his legendary sushi. Before joining the University of Maryland, he juggled multiple jobs as a newcomer from Taiwan, bringing with him a deep cultural richness and an inspiring work ethic. Despite leaving his homeland, Bao has found family and brotherhood within the Paint Shop, and the University of Maryland has become a source of stability and pride.
At Residential Facilities, we are honored and proud to have Bao with us. He reminds us every day that true service goes beyond task lists. It’s about people. Or as Bao likes to say: “You need to get to the meat of a burger to get to the good part — you need a curiosity for people to get to the good stuff.”