Stroke of genius Pedro Rojas paints campus with his inspiration.

You can spot a little bit of Pedro Rojas just about anywhere on campus--he leaves his mark wherever he goes--painting buildings, quickly touching up here and there with a steady hand and his trusty paintbrush.

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But Rojas, who has worked in Campus Enhancement for 11 years, has done a lot more than just paint during his time on campus. He's made a lot of friends--students, faculty and staff--in different departments who have helped the native of Bolivia thrive and succeed.

Rojas first came to the United States in 1986. He arrived in New York City, meeting up with his sister. He arrived knowing no English. "I didn't have the opportunity to go to school to learn English here; I learned it as I went," Rojas says.

After making his way south, he found High Point University through a painting company he was working with in Greensboro. Once he began working on campus, he didn't want to leave.

Folks on campus knew he worked efficiently and produced great results--so they offered him a job. And he settled into it well. Throughout the years, he's joked around with students, left signs around campus that read: "Pedro Says Wet Paint--Don't Touch!"--a nod to his humor, brushed up on his English skills by asking questions, and even offered help to international students who had no other family in the area.

In addition to his painting skills and good spirits, he is known for the contagious smile he wears every day on the job.

"I like being on campus," Rojas says. "My wife and I helped some international students feel more at home here. They are good students. Many former students still write or call me."

Even though he doesn't have much time for chit chat during his work, he has made a lot of surprising connections throughout his years on campus. In fact, he likes to spend...