Mattern Named Chaplain for Sparrow
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow appointed the first full-time chaplain for its community hospitals to assist in servicing the spiritual needs of patients, families and team members.
The Rev. John Mattern will divide his time between Sparrow Carson, Clinton, Eaton and Ionia as the dedicated chaplain. Until now, the community hospitals relied on contacting local pastors when requested by patients or staff.
Rev. John Mattern
Mattern served as staff chaplain at Henry Ford Health-Genesys Hospital in Genesee County. He also was lead pastor at St. Johns Church of God in St. Johns, the community in which he lives.
“Spiritual care is an important part of healing, and we are fortunate to have someone dedicated to supporting the emotional and spiritual needs of our patients, families and team members,” said Linda Reetz, UM Health-Sparrow market president for community hospitals.
All three of UM Health-Sparrow’s full-time chaplains are board-certified and are interfaith, providing support to everyone, regardless of religious background. UM Health-Sparrow also has seven on-call chaplains. The chaplains also serve as a bridge with the religious community and work with pastors of different religions upon the request of patients or staff.
YMCA Renames Branch for Johnson
The YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing announced the official name change of its Westside Branch to the Earvin “Magic” Johnson YMCA, in honor of the NBA and Michigan State University icon, business leader, and philanthropist born and raised in Lansing.
The first-of-its-kind recognition in Lansing for the NBA Hall of Famer was unveiled during The Legacy of Magic Gala, hosted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing, to celebrate Johnson and the Johnson family’s lasting impact on Lansing and the YMCA as the organization approaches its 150th anniversary.
The sold-out event drew more than 800 attendees and funds to support scholarships and facility improvements across all Lansing Y locations.
“We are grateful to the Johnson Family for choosing the YMCA as their legacy project” said Casey Thompson, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing. “The Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson YMCA not only recognizes a remarkable person and family who have done remarkable things for our community, but it also embodies the power of community and the lasting impact of the YMCA as a place where families and neighbors have connected through health and wellness for nearly 150 years and counting.”
Plans for the Earvin “Magic” Johnson YMCA include a 2-acre expansion with two additional sport courts, two new turf fields, an acre of green space to expand youth programming and a new pavilion. The exterior of the facility will include a mural honoring Johnson and the Johnson family by local artist Dustin Hunt. In addition, a sustaining legacy fund is being established in the Johnson family’s name to provide Lansing youth with access to scholarships for generations to come.
Reseda Group, Stickley on Security Partner
Reseda Group, a wholly owned credit union service organization of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, announced it is investing in Stickley on Security, a security service and education provider designed to consult and train organizations on cybersecurity and compliance.
Founded by cybersecurity expert Jim Stickley in 2007, Stickley on Security provides industry-specific expertise to help credit unions empower and educate their employees on cybersecurity risks in ways that reach beyond the workplace. It provides education courses, training programs and newsletters that understand the unique operations and threats credit unions of all sizes face. It also provides domain protection specifically for credit unions, protecting customer data and trust.
MSU names Bartholomae as AD
Michigan State University selected Dan Bartholomae as the university’s next vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics.
Dan Bartholomae
Bartholomae served as the vice president and director of athletics at Western Michigan University, where he led the department since 2022 and guided Bronco athletics to significant success, including multiple record-setting years in academic performance and community engagement, winning conference and national championships, and exceptional fundraising and external revenue growth. In 2026, he was named a finalist for the Sports Business Journal 2026 Athletic Director of the Year.
“It is a dream come true and a tremendous honor for my family and I to join the Spartan community,” he said. “Michigan State athletics has everything required to thrive in this new era of college sports: top-level student-athletes, outstanding coaches, a global alumni network and a university leadership team committed to excellence.”
Lansing Urgent Care Celebrates 20 Years
Lansing Urgent Care is celebrating 20 years of serving Greater Lansing.
Over the past two decades, Lansing Urgent Care has cared for hundreds of thousands of patients, treating everything from everyday illnesses and minor injuries to workplace injuries, sports physicals, occupational health services, vaccinations and preventive health services.
Founded by Dr. Terry Matthews and Catherine Matthews, Lansing Urgent Care was built on their shared vision of creating a health care organization that delivers medical care with convenience, compassion and a patient-first experience.
“Twenty years ago, Catherine and I shared a vision of making it easier for people to access high-quality health care when they needed it most,” said Terry Matthews. “What began with one clinic has grown beyond anything we could have imagined, thanks to the trust of our patients, the dedication of our incredible team and the support of the communities we serve. We’re proud to have created more than 200 local jobs, expanded to serve families across Greater Lansing and we’re excited for what the future holds.”
State Announces Business Expansions
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced three new small-business expansions in Hillsdale and Jackson counties, Berrien and Kalamazoo counties, and Kent County that will result in more than $42.2 million in capital investment, creating at least 182 new jobs.
Vertical Autonomy, an unmanned systems company that designs, manufactures and operates advanced vertical take-off and landing autonomous aircraft and supporting autonomy systems, announced plans to establish a centralized manufacturing and operations hub in Jackson County and upgrade existing infrastructure in Hillsdale County.
R.W. LaPine Inc., which specializes in mechanical contracting, metal fabrication and HVAC services, is planning to expand operations at its headquarters in Comstock Township and a facility in St. Joseph.
Shoulder Innovations, a medical technology company focused on transforming the shoulder surgical care market, is looking to expand its operations in west Michigan to meet rapidly growing customer demand and interest. The company plans to move its existing headquarters in Grand Rapids to a site in Byron Township.
Black Business Expo Celebrates Entrepreneurs
Innovation, culture and community spirit took center stage as Michigan State University Federal Credit Union hosted its annual Black Business Expo at the Headquarters 2 building in East Lansing.
Featuring 30 Black-owned businesses from across Michigan, the expo transformed the venue into a marketplace showcasing everything from handcrafted goods and unique services to cutting-edge local ventures. The event, in its third year, has become a platform for amplifying diverse voices and fostering economic equity.
“The Black Business Expo reflects our commitment to strengthening the communities we serve by creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to connect, grow and thrive,” said Arianna Ridderbusch, MSUFCU vice president of community impact. “Supporting economic empowerment and financial well-being is central to our mission, and this event is one of the many ways we bring that commitment to life.”
Work Begins on Behavioral Health Building
University of Michigan Health-Sparrow broke ground Aug. 5 on the Janice M. Granger Behavioral Health Building, a 64-bed facility designed to significantly expand access to psychiatric care for adults, geriatric patients, and children and adolescents.
The $83 million project near Pennsylvania Avenue and Jerome Street is expected to open in 2028.
“It’s taken us awhile to get to this point, but it was well worth the time and effort,” said Margaret Dimond, regional president of U-M Health. “We’re here today to break ground and take the first steps toward construction of the Janice M. Granger Behavioral Health Building, which will bring much-needed new services to our most vulnerable patients.”
The new facility is made possible by the largest gift in UM Health-Sparrow history, from Alton L. and the late Janice M. Granger. The design features a park-like setting with indoor and outdoor gardens and light-filled spaces intended to create a healing environment.
Burgess Joins Mitten Foundation
Julee Burgess was named executive director of operations and philanthropy for The Mitten Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation.
Burgess has nearly two decades of leadership experience from Michigan State University athletics, where she served in several key roles, most recently as executive senior associate athletic director for sport administration. She has dedicated her career to building strong teams, fostering meaningful relationships and creating lasting impact.
The Mitten Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting children with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Every dollar donated helps fund compassionate end-of-life pediatric care and supports our vision of building Michigan’s first pediatric hospice house — a place where families can receive 24/7 nursing care, medical support and essential supplies at no cost.
