UP Health System – Portage Honors Matthew Williams with the Sunflower Award
February 13, 2026
UP Health System – Portage is proud to recognize Matthew Williams, elder associate, as this quarter's recipient of the Sunflower Award. The Sunflower Award recognizes outstanding employees at UP Health System – Portage who demonstrate excellence through teamwork, a positive attitude, strong communication and deep knowledge in their roles. These individuals embody a clear sense of purpose and play a vital role in supporting the care of our patients and community.
The Sunflower Award is a quarterly recognition program that honors outstanding team members in non-nursing roles — such as therapists, housekeepers, facilities staff, technologists and others — who consistently demonstrate excellence through:
- Teamwork
- Respect
- A positive attitude
- Positive interactions and relationships
- Exemplary communication
- Promoting optimism
- Knowledge
Matthew was nominated after demonstrating kindness and compassion with our elders at PortagePointe. Caring for our elders requires a strong sense of teamwork, positivity and passion for community.
Below is an excerpt from Matthew's nomination:
"Every day this person is at work is a blessing! They are so kind and compassionate to everyone. The minute this person enters a room brings a calmness and sense of security. You know your loved one is being WELL cared for."
If you are a patient or visitor of UPHS – Portage and would like to nominate someone for the Sunflower Award, click here to access our nomination form.