Published: April 20, 2026
LANSING, Mich. - University of Michigan Health-Sparrow posthumously recognized the late Larry Rawsthorne, M.D., former Chief Medical Officer of Sparrow Health System and a beloved pulmonologist, with the 2026 Founders’ Award, the highest honor the health system presents.
The award, presented during a ceremony at UM Health-Sparrow Lansing, kicks off National Volunteer Week and celebrates Rawsthorne’s more than 40 years of service to the institution and its patients.
The Founders’ Award is given annually to a volunteer, community member, retired team member or physician who has made a positive impact on the health of Mid-Michigan through their involvement with UM Health-Sparrow. Past recipients include the late Michigan State University hockey coach Ron Mason, Neogen founder James Herbert and his wife Judith, and 2025 winner Deborah Ginsburg.
Rawsthorne, who died last year, served as Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs for UM Health-Sparrow. He was a widely respected pulmonologist and critical care physician, as well as a faculty member and leader at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine.
Margaret Dimond, Regional President of U-M Health, worked with Rawsthorne at MSU and praised his character and legacy.
“What struck me about Larry, and I’m sure others, was his kindness and his calm manner, along with his remarkable wisdom,” Dimond said. “Larry had a lasting impact on all of us and on UM Health-Sparrow as a whole.”
Vicki Belloli, Chair of the UM Health-Sparrow Women’s Board of Managers, said “Rawsthorne’s work reflected deep expertise with always an incredibly generous spirit. Remembering his heartfelt dedication to countless numbers of his patients in the greater Lansing area helps us to kick off National Volunteer Week.”
The ceremony included remarks from state Rep. Angela Witwer, who presented a proclamation from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in Rawsthorne’s honor. His children, Chris, Kate and Patrick, and their families accepted the award on his behalf.
Rawsthorne also served on the Sparrow Community Cares Board and the Sparrow Specialty Hospital Board. He was a graduate of the U-M Medical School.
The Founders’ Award dates to UM Health-Sparrow’s centennial year in 1996. The health system is now in its 131st year of serving Mid-Michigan, with six hospitals and medical groups across the region.
To learn more, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org.
The Rawsthorne family poses with the Founders' Award
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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 team members, UM Health-Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience. For more information, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org.