UP Health System – Marquette Care Aide Lilian Churchill Honored with Julianne Kirkham Award

Lilian Churchill, care aide/unit clerk in the Cardiac Unit at UP Health System - Marquette, has been chosen as the latest recipient of the Dr. Julianne Kirkham Award. This award at UP Health System – Marquette (UPHS – Marquette) recognizes exemplary employees of the support and ancillary departments of the hospital who clearly see and act on their purpose in supporting the care of our patients and community.

Lilian brings passion and energy to her work during every one of her shifts, which has not gone unnoticed by leadership, her fellow coworkers, and—most importantly—the patients who are privileged to receive her care. She is often praised by coworkers and patients, which is evident in a written testament we received from one of her patients that truly encompasses her spirit, dedication, and naturally nurturing demeanor:

“I had several nurses, who were all good, but had the privilege of having care assistance from Lilian a couple of times. It only took two days of care from her to recognize her level of skill at her job. I have been in management positions virtually my entire life and had as many as 20 full-time and part-time employees. In that capacity, I was always on the lookout for exemplary service. In Lilian, that is what I found. She went out of her way to make sure I was comfortable, and more importantly, happy, regardless of my circumstances. She would drop by my room with a smile, just to say "hi," even if I had not called her. It was evident to me that my care, comfort, and emotional needs were important to her. In my (nearly) 70 years, I have met and dealt with literally thousands of people; only a handful of which stand out in my memory as outstanding. Lilian is one of those few. I would be honored and happy to see her awarded for her outstanding service.”

Lilian has been with our hospital for five years. She began as a care aide/unit clerk in the Staffing Pool before moving into her role in the Cardiac Unit in October of 2022. In addition to caring for patients and helping her unit run smoothly, she also takes the time to provide clinical education to our staff. "Lilian is a prime example of an employee who is living out our mission and values as an organization," said Tonya Darner, chief executive officer, UPHS – Marquette. "We're proud to have her on our team and are excited to watch her grow—I have no doubt she will continue to make a positive impact on all who cross her path."

About the Dr. Julianne Kirkham Award

Named in honor of Dr. Julianne Kirkham, this award pays tribute to those who, just as Dr. Kirkham did, believe that our own lives become better as we help others’ lives become better. Every individual patient mattered to Dr. Kirkham, and she touched countless lives throughout her career. She was a true educator to patients, families, and fellow medical colleagues. She was intellectually curious and had a deep love for helping others. Her warmth, knowledgeable compassion, sense of justice, and fierce advocacy for her patients during their darkest times gave them hope and direction. Her sense of humor was brilliant, helping to put her patients at ease. Dr. Kirkham lived her life with a greater purpose to help others.

Sadly, Dr. Kirkham passed away unexpectedly in 2020. She was courageous, generous, and inspiring, with an unrelenting desire to create a ripple effect of positive change in the people and the world around us. In honor of Dr. Kirkham’s memory, UP Health System – Marquette created this award to recognize those who follow in her footsteps.

Recipients of this award are chosen by a hospital committee on a quarterly basis based on nominations submitted by staff.