Category Archives: Borgess Foundation

Friends of Borgess Nursing Dinner Pays Tribute to Nursing Excellence

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Posted by Lew Tysman on May 23, 2011 – 3:29 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation

The Fifth-Annual Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund Awards Dinner paid tribute to the nursing excellence of today and tomorrow, including recognizing Dennis Bertch, MSN, RN, with the prestigious Lamplighter Award, as well as honoring nine nurses with specialty certification grants.

The Borgess Lamplighter Award recognizes an individual (or organization) who has exhibited stellar support of the Borgess Health mission and Borgess nurses, as well as contributed to quality of life within southwest Michigan. Dennis A. Bertch of Kalamazoo received the award for his steadfast commitment to nursing excellence and education. He began his career at Borgess Medical Center in the late 70s as a staff nurse in the neurological care unit. Bertch then went on to serve as director, Inpatient Neurological Services and Professional Nursing Resources, and chief nursing officer, and was instrumental in the formation of shared governance at Borgess Medical Center in the late 80s and early 90s. Continually striving to improve care and enhance the practice of nursing, he encouraged his colleagues to pursue ongoing education and advanced degrees.

In 1993, Bertch completed his Master of Science in Nursing and is currently in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at the Kirhof College of Nursing at Grand Valley State University. He has held several higher education roles, and now serves as associate vice president of academic services at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

“We congratulate Dennis for this outstanding achievement. Prior to his educational role at KVCC, he had a long history of leadership, both within Borgess Health and in the greater health care community,” said Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation. “We are blessed to have had his support and exceptional contributions, and wish him much success in his professional and personal endeavors.” 

Complementing the Lamplighter Award, the dinner also celebrated the distribution of grants to several nurses for the pursuit of specialized education and training. This year, the following RNs received grants: 

Certification Grant

Carol D’Cruz, BSN, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Portage)

Christine M. Donelson, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Vicksburg)

Judith Foote-Jury, RN, BSN, CNOR, CRNFA, Borgess Medical Center (Kalamazoo)

Dee Hoffman, MBA, BSN, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Mattawan)

Nancy L. Merriman, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Kalamazoo)

Diane Roosenberg, BSN, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Augusta)

Debbie Schlieter, BSN, RN, CWOCN, Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice (Lawrence)

Sikhanyiso Maphosa, BSN, RN, Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice (Kalamazoo)

Scholarly Grant

Anita Heyman, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Borgess Medical Center (Portage)

In addition to grant distribution, the dinner acknowledged eight nurses with the following awards:

Excellence in Clinical Practice I Award

Randy Willis, BSN, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Augusta)

Caroline M. Kusa, RN, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital (Dowagiac)

Pat Hetzler, RN, Borgess-Pipp Hospital (Plainwell)

Lisa Witte, RN, Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice (Kalamazoo)

Excellence in Clinical Practice II Award

Gail H. Venner, MSN, ANP, Borgess Medical Center (Richland)  

Nursing Leadership Award

Anita Heyman, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Borgess Medical Center (Mattawan)

Rising Star Award

Anna Matulewicz, BSN, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Portage)

Sisters of St. Joseph Legacy Award

Diane White, MSN, RN, Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice (Kalamazoo) 

Held on May 10 at Kalamazoo’s Cityscape Events Center, the Friends of Borgess Nursing Awards Dinner raised important funding to sustain nursing education, research and certification. To date, $150,000 has been raised toward the overall fund goal of $250,000. To learn more about the awards dinner or make a donation to the Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund, call (269) 226.8100, or visit foundation.borgess.com.

Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund to Honor 17 Nurses at Annual Awards Dinner

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Posted by Lew Tysman on March 30, 2011 – 10:04 am
Filed under Borgess Foundation

The following registered nurses (RNs) have been selected as recipients of 2011 Friends of Borgess Nursing awards:

Borgess Lamplighter Award
Dennis A. Bertch, MSN, RN

Excellence in Clinical Practice I Award
Randy Willis, BSN, RN-Borgess Medical Center
Caroline M. Kusa, RN-Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Pat Hetzler, RN-Borgess-Pipp Hospital
Lisa Witte, RN-Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice

Excellence in Clinical Practice II Award
Gail H. Venner, MSN, ANP

Nursing Leadership Award
Anita Heyman, MSN, RN, NEA-BC

Rising Star Award
 Anna Matuliewicz, BSN, RN

Sisters of St. Joseph Legacy Award
Diane White, MSN, RN

“The Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund was established in 2006 to support nursing education, research and certification,” said Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation. “Every year, our nurses enhance and redefine their critical role within the medical profession. We salute this year’s winners, and wish them continued success in all of their professional and personal endeavors.”

Along with awards, the fund also distributes grants to assist with specialty nursing certification or certification renewal. This year, the following RNs will receive grants:

Certification Grant
 Carol D’Cruz, BSN, RN
Christine M. Donelson, RN
Judith Foote-Jury, BSN, RNFA, CNOR
Dee Hoffman, MBA, BSN, RN
Nancy L. Merriman, RN
Diane Roosenberg, BSN, RN
Debbie Schlieter, BSN, RN, CWOCN
Sikhanyiso Maphosa, BSN, RN

Scholarly Grant
 Anita Heyman, MSN, RN, NEA-BC

Dinner Pays Tribute to Nursing Excellence
The 5th Annual Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, May 10 at Cityscape Events Center in downtown Kalamazoo (125 S. Kalamazoo Mall). The event will begin with light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the awards program at 7 p.m. Proceeds from last year’s sponsorships, silent auction and dinner reservations exceeded $48,000. So far, $118,000 has been raised toward the overall endowment goal of $250,000.

“Regardless of how donors decide to support the Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund, they can be rest assured their contribution will not only advance professional nursing practice, but also make a difference in the lives of patients and families across our community,” McDonnell added.

For reservations or more information about the awards dinner, call (269) 226.8100, or go to foundation.borgess.com.

J. Patrick Lennon, Joe Brogger, Jr., and Kurt Shea join Borgess Foundation Board

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Posted by Lew Tysman on February 23, 2011 – 5:13 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation


J. Patrick Lennon Joe Brogger, Jr. Kurt Shea


J. Patrick Lennon, Joe Brogger, Jr., and Kurt Shea join Borgess Foundation Board

Three outstanding community members have joined the Borgess Foundation Board of Trustees–J. Patrick Lennon, Joe Brogger, Jr., and Kurt Shea. The Borgess Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Borgess Health services and programs including enhancing access to healthcare for our community’s most vulnerable citizens.

J. Patrick Lennon, a Partner of Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP (Honigman), is an attorney who focuses on real estate.  He represents the interests of large corporations, real estate developers, builders and investors throughout Michigan and Florida. Lennon earned his law degree from Indiana University Maurer School of Law and an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. Lennon and his wife live in Portage.

Joe Brogger, Jr., is Director of Private Sector Employee Benefits with Burnham & Flower Group, Kalamazoo.  Brogger assists many community benefit organizations including Lakeside Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, USTA Jr. Nationals and other groups.  His father, Joe Brogger, Sr., was an original board member of the Borgess Foundation.  Brogger is a graduate of Albion College.  Brogger and his wife live in Hickory Corners.

Kurt Shea is vice president of P.K. Contracting, Inc., of Kalamazoo, a leader in pavement marking and safety.  Shea is experienced in computer software programs and is actively involved in road construction projects throughout Michigan. He serves the community in a number of ways including coaching Little League baseball.  Shea is a graduate of Oakland University.  He and his wife live in Plainwell.

Since 1972, the Borgess Foundation has helped continue the tradition of philanthropy in support of health care and related services at Borgess Health.  For more information, please visit: foundation.borgess.com.

500 women will be helped by donations to Borgess Tree of Love

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Posted by Lew Tysman on January 18, 2011 – 4:28 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation

Kalamazoo, MI – More than 500 low-income women without health insurance will receive free mammograms as a result of donations to the 25th Annual Borgess Tree of Love.

“Because of the generosity of area residents, we’ve exceeded our $40,000 goal ($41,200) and gifts continue to come in,” said Edie Alt, co-chairperson, Borgess Tree of Love.  “More women will be helped by this extra kindness and additional contributions are warmly welcomed.”

Major sponsors of the campaign include The Surgical Group of Southwest Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Kalamazoo Amusement, James R. Ryan Family Foundation, The Tyler Little Family Foundation and Water Street Coffee Joint.

Since its start in 1985, the Borgess Tree of Love campaign has helped countless women at Borgess receive mammograms and biopsies to identify breast cancer.

This campaign also provides an opportunity for donors to make tributes for employees, colleagues, family and friends. The names of donors and those receiving this special tribute will be listed on the website, and honorees receive an acknowledgement card in the mail.

People can still make tax-deductible donations on-line at treeoflove.borgess.com. Donor forms are also available for those who wish to contribute by mail by contacting the Borgess Foundation at (269) 226.8100.

Every $5 donation helps a woman receive a mammogram while allowing the donor to honor or remember someone special. Every $50 donation sponsors a mammogram for a woman and allows the donor to honor or remember up to 10 people.

Breast cancer affects many members of our community. In the United States, one in eight women, during their lifetime, will develop breast cancer. Every 69 seconds a woman dies of breast cancer and every hour 23 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women and affects approximately one million women worldwide.

It is estimated that one in every five women does not have insurance that covers breast cancer detection services such as mammography. A number of studies have shown that mammograms can reduce a woman’s risk of dying of breast cancer.

For additional information on the Borgess Tree of Love campaign, please call (269) 226.8100.

Still in the “Green” After 19 Years – Borgess Golf for Health Tournament a Fundraising Success

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Posted by Lew Tysman on July 29, 2010 – 3:09 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Borgess Health, Borgess Volunteers, Events

With 108 golfers, the 19th Annual Borgess Golf for Health on July 19 raised money to help fund ongoing renovations to Borgess Medical Center’s Level I Emergency & Trauma Center. The Borgess Volunteers and Borgess Foundation presented the outing proceeds in a check for $27,000 to Dr. Steve Kujacznski, medical director, Borgess Emergency & Trauma Center.

“During my 20-year tenure at Borgess, the number of ER patients has grown to more than 50,000 a year,” said Steve Kujacznski, DO, medical director, Borgess Emergency & Trauma Center. “An important part of caring for ER patients is providing them with a quiet environment that affords confidentiality. Our renovated department will feature rooms that are more spacious, comfortable and private.”

The 2010 Borgess Golf for Health outing was successful due to support from businesses and individuals as sponsors and players.

“We sincerely appreciate the expertise provided by Gull Lake Country Club, and the generosity of our major sponsors, Premier Radiology, AVB Construction, Crothall Healthcare, Kalamazoo Emergency Associates and Neurosurgery of Kalamazoo, PC,” said Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation. “Everyone enjoyed a beautiful day of golfing and supported a very worthy cause–the enhancement of the Borgess Emergency & Trauma Center.”

“There are many reasons why more than 100 golfers like me participate in the Borgess Golf for Health outing every year,” said Joe Brogger, director, private sector employee benefits, Burnham & Flower Insurance Group, who has played in the event for more than 15 years. “The event runs like clockwork. The pro-clinic, onsite physical therapist and emergency personnel give the event a professional feel. Every detail is handled perfectly, and everyone is so friendly and genuinely pleased to have the support of all participants.”

Built to serve 42,000 patients annually, the Borgess Emergency & Trauma Center (ETC) was last renovated in 1975. Since the guarantee was implemented for patients to see a physician within 30 minutes of arrival, ETC annual volume has reached 57,000. The current ETC renovation will provide a more secure, comfortable healing environment for 1.2 million patients and their families who will utilize the ETC over the next decade.

In addition to knowing they will be seen by a physician within 30 minutes, patients have the assurance they are receiving care in a verified Level I Trauma Center, recognized for providing urgent, advanced, comprehensive care for the most severe illnesses and injuries.

2010 Borgess Golf for Health Key Results

  • First Place Team: Joe Brogger, Jr, Robert Benjamin, Robert Britigan and Gregory St. Arnold
  • Second Place Team: John Bakos, Jack Gesmundo, Joe Gesmundo and Daryl Rand, American Village Builders
  • Random Team Winners: Frederick Brown, Robert Brown, Sr., Craig DeNooyer and Terry Patterson, Treystar 
  • Longest Drive, Men: Thomas Merritt; Women: Susan McDonald
  • Closest to Line, Men: Robert Britigan; Women: Dina Ciaffone
  • Closest to Pin, Men: John Kittredge; Women: Linda Lawton
  • Longest Putt, Men: Craig DeNooyer; Women: Connie Learman

Borgess Volunteer Sponsored Jewelry Sale

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Posted by Lew Tysman on July 6, 2010 – 1:02 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Borgess Volunteers, Events

Want to give your wardrobe a little more sparkle and shine? At this volunteer-sponsored sale, you’ll find gold, silver and gemstone jewelry — all at prices that will dazzle you. Best of all, you’ll lend your valuable support to Borgess Health programs and the purchase of important medical equipment.

When: Friday, July 16th, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Borgess Medical Center Campus, Lawrence Education Center, 123/124

Cash, credit cards, checks and payroll deduction accepted.

Golfers Still Needed for Lee Memorial Foundation’s Sixth-Annual Golf Outing

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Posted by Lew Tysman on June 29, 2010 – 11:16 am
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Borgess Health, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital

The Lee Memorial Foundation continues to seek golfers to participate in its sixth-annual golf outing on Friday, July 9.

This year’s scramble event will once again be held at Spruce Ridge Golf Club in Dowagiac. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Entry fee is $50 per person or $200 per team, and includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, bottled water, and the opportunity to win cash in the Buy a Square Contest, as well as win $10,000 in the Hole-In-One Contest (sponsored by Preferred Printing, Inc.).

Proceeds from the golf outing will benefit Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital by funding the purchase of an intravenous (IV) ultrasound unit. To sign up today, call 269.783.3083 or 269.783.3026.

19th Annual Borgess Golf for Health Monday – July 19, 2010

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Posted by Lew Tysman on June 29, 2010 – 8:36 am
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Events

Your participation along with other community leaders, Borgess administrators, volunteers and Gull Lake Country Club, are the key reasons why the Borgess Golf for Health is a premier golf tournament.

This year your support will benefit the renovation and expansion of Borgess Medical Center Level I Emergency & Trauma Center. Read about Jonathan Pettigrew, a real patient success story.

As a golfer, you will have the opportunity to meet our extraordinary Borgess physicians and staff and learn about life saving activities at Borgess. Most of all, your participation will benefit your family and our community for many years to come.

Register for this enjoyable event today by calling (269) 226-8100.

Schedule of Events

Gull Lake Country Club, Richland, Michigan

10 a.m. Registration Opens

10 a.m. Free Golf Clinics with Area Pros

Noon Shot-Gun Start

5 p.m. Dinner

 The Borgess Volunteers will be selling 50/50 Ball Drop Raffle tickets, 11 am-1 pm, Wednesday, June 30, Thursday, July 8, Friday, July 9, Thursday, July 15 and Friday, July 16. Tickets are also available by calling (269) 269.8100 or (269) 226.4882.

Currently, we are seeking sponsors for this event, which are an important part of our success. Contact Pam Mckenzie at (269) 226.8100 or pammckenzie@borgess.com, to become a sponsor today.

Match Day Event Location Change

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Posted by Lew Tysman on June 23, 2010 – 8:55 am
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice, Events

Due to the possibility of severe weather, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s Match Day event, originally planned for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today in Bronson Park, has been relocated to the Kalamazoo Room of the Radisson Plaza Hotel at 100 West Michigan Avenue in downtown Kalamazoo. We hope you will join us to make a donation to Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice, helping provide comfort and quality home care to our community.

Remember, the Community Foundation will match each dollar donated with 50 cents that will be available for the organization to which you donate to use immediately.

For questions, please contact Mike Ankley at (269) 343.1396 or visit homehealth.borgess.com.

Borgess-Pipp Hospital Honors Kay Pierce at Community Open House

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Posted by Lew Tysman on June 22, 2010 – 3:23 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Borgess-Pipp Hospital

Photo Caption: (left to right) Dr. Terry Baxter, chief medical officer, Borgess Medical Center, and Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation, unveil Kay Pierce’s portrait.

With about 300 staff and community members looking on, Borgess-Pipp Hospital unveiled a special portrait of Kay Pierce at an open house on Thursday, May 20.

The open house celebrated the remarkable gift Pierce left behind to help sustain the hospital she supported and loved. “We were blessed by Kay’s generosity, as well as the confidence she placed both in our hospital and the community she embraced her entire life,” said John Ryder, administrator, Borgess-Pipp Hospital. “Thanks to her extraordinary vision and $2 million gift, a renewal of our hospital’s spirit and atmosphere has been realized.”

Enhancements made to the hospital as a result of Pierce’s gift include:

  • Main floor hallway renovations
  • Inpatient room renovations
  • New nurse’s station
  • Main waiting room renovation
  • Laboratory blood draw area
  • Powered ambulance cots
  • Laboratory chemistry and hematology analyzers
  • Two bariatric specialty beds
  • Outpatient rehabilitation gym expansion and department renovation
  • Dual-head computed tomography (CT) scan contrast injector
  • Portable ultrasound system for emergency department

Along with Pierce’s portrait unveiling, the free open house also offered guests tours and refreshments.  

About Kay Pierce

Kay Pierce’s connection to Borgess-Pipp Hospital was woven into the fabric of her life.

When she passed away on March 2, 2009, the 90-year-old resident left her entire estate worth more than $2 million to the Borgess Foundation to be used exclusively for providing improvements and acquiring new equipment at Borgess-Pipp Hospital.

Pierce was the daughter of Dr. Willard “Bob” Vaughn, one of the founders of modern health care in Plainwell. Vaughn was a respected family practitioner who helped organize William Crispe Community Hospital, the precursor to Borgess-Pipp Hospital.

A 1935 graduate from Plainwell High School, Pierce enrolled in Hollins University in Virginia and then Tulane University in New Orleans. Kay and her husband, Donald, were happily married for 26 years until his death in 2000. Donald, who ran his family’s insurance business in Plainwell, was also active on the Crispe Hospital Board.

Described as gracious, caring and friendly by many who knew her, Pierce’s trademark saying was “Laughter is the best medicine.”  From her commitment to volunteering to serving as a trustee for over 20 years, Pierce’s dedication to Borgess-Pipp Hospital was loving and lifelong.

About Borgess-Pipp Hospital

Borgess-Pipp Hospital delivers comprehensive health services to Plainwell, Otsego and surrounding communities, from laboratory and diagnostic imaging to long-term acute and “no wait” emergency care. A member of Borgess Health, the largest health care provider in southwest Michigan, Borgess-Pipp Hospital also has the resources to offer specialized, nationally recognized medicine.