Marjorie Leeson, a longtime faculty member who retired in 1982, helped successfully launch and grow what has become the computer science and information technology program. 

A steadfast friend of Delta, she passed away in San Diego in 2017. But her impact lives on. 

Her love of teaching is why Marjorie’s sons, Gary and Bruce Leeson, established a scholarship in her memory. The Professor Emeritus Marjorie M. Leeson Scholarship will support students for years to come. 

During her 20-year tenure at Delta, Marjorie taught a range of computer-related courses, was president of the Faculty Senate and was named National Data Educator of the Year. During the span of her career, she also authored 12 college-level textbooks. 

Gary, a Delta alumnus who lives in San Diego, said his mother was proud of the role she played in launching the computer science program. 

“Even after moving to California, her true love was Delta College,” he said. “She lived for Delta.” 

Cybersecurity program receives national attention

Marjorie laid the foundation for a computing program that has been nationally recognized. 

In 2019, Delta College was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, jointly sponsored by the U.S. National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

Delta was one of only 11 colleges in Michigan to have earned the designation. NSA said Delta’s program aligns with a national cyber strategy designed to address the critical shortage of professionals with cybersecurity skills.

Interested in a career in cybersecurity? Contact the program coordinator, Kevin Wyzkiewicz, Associate Professor at kmwyzkie@delta.edu or 989-686-9127.