The Hoag Hospital Foundation, the charitable arm of the Irvine, California-based Hoag Health Network, has announced a $15 million gift from Julia and George Argyros to enhance continuing education programs for nurses across the hospital system.

The gift directed to the Julia Argyros Center for Nursing Excellence will bolster existing efforts to help nurses achieve their educational goals, take on advanced clinical roles, broaden their skillsets, mentor new Hoag nurses, and broadly enhance patient care. Established in 2016 with a $7 million gift by George Argyros, former U.S. ambassador to Spain, and his wife, Julia, the center has provided thousands of scholarships to Hoag nurses. The new funding boosts the family’s total giving at Hoag to $32 million.

“It is an honor to be able to support Hoag nurses, help them realize their dreams of higher education, and support their continual efforts to provide wonderful care to our community,” said the couple’s daughter Lisa Argyros, who is a Hoag Hospital Foundation board member.

(Photo credit: Hoag hospital Foundation)