He said he prides himself on providing a warm, positive and friendly atmosphere to the passengers that ride his bus every day.

"Personally, I think that people have so many daily obligations with school and work, so I ask them about their day and try and rid them of their worries for the short little bus ride," he said.

DeLeon's favorite part of driving for the Capital Area Transportation Authority is talking to students about their lives and watching students grow through the years. He said he even misses students when they leave MSU.

"I can appreciate what teachers go through, going through the ropes and getting attached, then seeing them go," he said.

Nicolas Hampton said DeLeon is more than a driver.

"Some bus drivers are bus drivers," the English sophomore said. "Some bus drivers are a friend giving you a ride. He's not driving the bus, he's transporting lives."

Entering DeLeon's bus, students often are greeted with smooth R&B music and passengers coming together, singing some favorite tunes.

"I can't drive for eight hours with no music," DeLeon said.

The first time Jimmie Smith met DeLeon, the music was playing.

"He is the man," the journalism and English junior said. "I was at the front of the bus, and Ron was playing music. Everyone starts jamming with him."

During school breaks, DeLeon drives bus routes off campus. While he speaks of both fondly, he holds a special place in his heart for on-campus driving.

"I like the campus environment because the students are so focused and goal-oriented, so full of desire. I can see it in their eyes," DeLeon said.

When he's not driving, DeLeon is often boxing.

He boxed competitively for three years, winning the Golden Gloves Amateur Championship district title in 1991. Now, he trains amateurs in the basement of his home, which is equipped with a ring, punching bags and a weight-lifting room.

He said he loves to share his knowledge by training other people. About 14 MSU students join others from the Lansing area to learn the discipline of boxing.

Kinesiology freshman Makeda Jacobs is among the MSU students DeLeon trains.

In January, she happened to overhear a conversation DeLeon had with another student about boxing, so she inquired information about his training program. She has been training with him ever since.

Jacobs works out with DeLeon a few times a week, and says that in training, DeLeon pushes hard.

"He gave me a chance, which is rare," she said. "Most people aren't so open. He is an extremely positive guy, and is very encouraging in that he recognizes my talent."

But more important than boxing or buses to DeLeon are his children.

Every morning, he drops Bryana, 7, and Selena, 9, off at their mother's house before work at 6:45 a.m. He returns in the afternoon to spend the rest of the day with his daughters.

"I try and be the best I can be for my daughters, so I never let anything get me down," DeLeon said. "I always try and stay positive in everything I do, with my family, training and my work."