During the Scholarship Luncheon at Kent State Geauga - Twinsburg Academic Center on October 28, 2025, Zariyah Brantley became the first Michael Leposa Memorial Scholarship recipient. 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 scholarship’s namesake.
Michael Leposa, a Twinsburg High School graduate, went on to earn an Associate Degree in Plant Sciences from Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C East) before transferring to Kent State University, from which he proudly graduated in December of 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
“He worked hard for that degree. He wore the biggest smile ever; he was so happy on graduation day,” Diane recalls.
An avid gardener who delighted in planting and nurturing exotic flowers and vegetables—like giant Chinese python beans with pods two to three feet long—Michael had hoped to pursue a career as a lab scientist in a green industry, or perhaps working with animals. He had already established himself as the official dog-sitter for his circle of family and friends.
But Michael’s job search was hampered by the pandemic, so he worked as manager of EC Auto Club in Kent, while waiting for interview callbacks. Unfortunately, he caught COVID in early 2023. Three months later, on May 2, 2023, Michael died unexpectedly during surgery due to complications related to long COVID. He was only 31.
Michael’s sudden passing came as a terrible shock to his mother Diane, father Mike, and younger brother Mark, who reside in Twinsburg Township.
“You never think it will happen to you,” Diane admits. “We’re dealing with it the best we can. We keep up his gardens, where we have put out special lights. I look out there every night. It’s a beautiful tribute to him.”
The family established the Michael Leposa Memorial Scholarship in his honor, raising seed money from family and friends. The scholarship is designed as either a $1,000 gift for one eligible student annually, or $500 for two scholarships per academic year. Scholarship recipients are selected from among eligible TAC students in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Preference goes to Twinsburg area residents/Twinsburg High School graduates pursuing majors in the sciences. Scholarship funds can be used to defray the costs of books, tuition, supplies, and other academic fees.
The plan moving forward is to raise $25,000 to endow the scholarship so that eligible TAC students benefit from Michael’s enduring legacy.
“Michael was one of those honest, dependable people who was compassionate to all, with a heart of gold… a friend to many with a love for animals, plants, and even stray cars,” his mother says, with a nod to Michael’s sense of humor and desire to help those around him.
Those wishing to contribute toward the fundraising effort may do so online on the Kent State Geauga/TAC donation web page, or contact Associate Director of External Relations Rebecca Gierman at rgierma1@kent.edu or (440) 834-3761. TAC students interested in applying for the next Michael Leposa Memorial Scholarship should fill out the form on Kent State’s ScholarshipUniverse page.
Becki Gierman adds, “In celebration of Michael’s life and legacy, this scholarship ensures that his love for learning and his commitment to growth—both in the garden and in life—will inspire others for generations to come.”