Published: May 9, 2025
LANSING, Mich. – During this National Nurses Week, University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is honoring thousands of highly skilled nurses who tirelessly dedicate themselves to caring for our patients and their families. This year’s Nurses Week theme is “Together More is Possible,” highlighting our team approach to ensuring our patients receive the quality and compassionate care that we are known for.
Nurses Week concluded with ceremonies and recognition at several UM Health-Sparrow sites of care.
At UM Health-Sparrow Lansing, cardiovascular intensive care unit nurse Brandy LePage, R.N., was honored with the hospital’s Nurse of the Year award.
“As a member of the rapid response team, LePage makes critical decisions under the most challenging circumstances while maintaining a calm and caring presence, and advocates for patients and team members whose voices may not be heard high quality care,” the nomination said.
In addition to her clinical excellence, LePage is a respected leader, known for mentoring new nurses and creating a supportive, positive work environment.
UM Health-Sparrow Lansing also honored its inpatient medical oncology team for their outstanding teamwork, empathy and unwavering compassion, and UM Health-Sparrow Lansing’s Nurse Educator of the Year, Rebekah LaDuke, APRN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN.
At UM Health-Sparrow Carson, James Myers, RN, was named 2025 Nurse of the Year. Myers is an RN in the UM Health-Sparrow Carson Emergency Department and was nominated for his exceptional dedication to patient care, his outstanding clinical skills and his unwavering commitment to the nursing profession. He has a great rapport with patients, built on respect and honesty.
“Jim is an incredibly smart, compassionate nurse who always put his patients first,” said his manager Julie Noreen, MSN, RN. “He’s a strong patient advocate, a great team player, and truly deserving of the Nurse of the Year title.”
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing nurse Brandy LePage (left) poses with her Nurse of the Year award with Angie Stornant, critical care services director.
UM Health-Sparrow Carson nurse James Myers (center) accepts his Nurse of the Year Award from (from left) Mariah Hesse, chief nursing officer, and hospital President Mark Brisboe.
UM Health-Sparrow Clinton celebrated Melanie Kotowicz, BSN, RN, as Nurse of the Year. Kotowicz, who has worked at UM Health-Sparrow Clinton for 27 years, was nominated for her empathy, compassion, dedication and always putting patients first. The nomination said, “Our patients leave here feeling empowered to be able to care for themselves at home, knowing that she is only a call away if they should need anything while at home or have questions.”
At UM Health-Sparrow Eaton, Warren Johnson, BSN, RN, EMT-P, was named as 2025 Nurse of the Year. Johnson works in the UM Health-Sparrow Eaton Emergency Department and has been at the hospital for 31 years.
UM Health-Sparrow Eaton and Ionia Chief Nursing Officer Tiffany Friar said of Johnson: “Warren is an exceptional team member who always shows the utmost respect and compassion for patients. He is thought of as a compassionate leader and mentor within the department. …His contributions go far beyond his professional and primary responsibilities. He is truly an asset to everyone at work.”
UM Health-Sparrow Clinton Nurse of the Year Melanie Kotowicz (second from left) celebrates her award with (from left) Chief Nursing Officer Mariah Hesse, Manager Rory Baker and hospital President Mark Brisboe.
Warren Johnson, a longtime nurse at UM Health-Sparrow Eaton, accepts his Nurse of the Year award from (from left) Chief Nursing Officer Tiffany Friar and Manager Rachel Latunski.
UM Health-Sparrow Ionia selected Chad Fedewa, BSN, RN, of the hospital’s Surgery Department as its 2025 Nurse of the Year. Friar said, “Chad was nominated for his willingness to collaborate with an open mind, kindness, dedication and determination to improve the quality of care provided. He demonstrates a positive attitude each day and is always willing to step in where help is needed.”
UM Health-Sparrow Ionia Surgical Department Nurse Chad Fedewa receives his Nurse of the Year award from (from left) Manager Courtney Dow and Chief Nursing Officer Tiffany Friar.
To learn more about careers at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org/Nursing.
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University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier health care organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as UM Health-Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Care Network, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. UM Health-Sparrow is part of University of Michigan Health. Through the dedication of our 10,000 caregivers, UM Health-Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience. For more information, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org.