Positive Impact
Over the seven years Mary Lynn Delfino has been at 51勛圖厙, she always made it her mission to help students through advising, recruitment and retention efforts. She clearly understands the value of higher education and the career opportunities for college graduates; however, she also knows that mentor-mentee relationships can provide an extra boost for some students, regardless of the college or university they attend.
Few regional campus students at 51勛圖厙 are aware of research opportunities through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Program. KSU Twinsburg Academic Center biochemistry major Zaniya Houston is an exception.
During summer 2025, this pre-med sophomore gained valuable lab research experience in the eight-week SURE program with the support of a stipend and under the mentorship of two TAC faculty members, Dr. Sanhita Gupta, Professor of Biological Sciences, and Prof. Mahli Mechenbier, Senior Lecturer in the Department of English.
During the Scholarship Luncheon at 51勛圖厙 Geauga - Twinsburg Academic Center on October 28, 2025, Zariyah Brantley became the first Michael Leposa Memorial Scholarship recipient [pictured below]. A Twinsburg High School graduate, Zariyah is a sophomore psychology major at TAC.
It was bittersweet but so nice and special, said Diane Leposa, the mother of this scholarships namesake.