Inova Health System Honors Jean and Ric Edelman for Commitment to Nursing

Edelmans Presented with 2008 Commitment to Excellence Award

Falls Church, VA – (October 28, 2008) – Inova Health System has announced Jean and Ric Edelman as recipients of the System’s 2008 Commitment to Excellence Award for their dedication and philanthropic support of nursing and nursing education at Inova. The award was presented Saturday, October 25, at Inova’s annual Gala (to view a video about the Commitment to Excellence Award winners, click here).

Founders of Edelman Financial Services, Jean and Ric Edelman have partnered with Inova Health System since 2001, when the couple established the Edelman Nursing Career Development Center. The Center has become a vital resource for nurses looking for career advancement through continuing education, career consultation, and new clinical experiences.  In addition, the Edelman Center distributes nursing scholarships and financial awards to qualified Inova employees who are seeking nursing degrees, students enrolled in nursing programs who agree to work at Inova after they graduate, and Inova nurses working on advanced degrees.  Each year, more than 900 Inova nurses benefit from services at the Edelman Center.

“Our core caregivers at all levels of medicine are our nurses,” said Jean Edelman.  “We’ve been so honored to support the education and career development of these professionals, whose commitment and dedication bring benefits to the entire community.”

In February, the Edelmans donated $1 million to Inova Health System to help strengthen nursing education and career development through the Inova Institute for Nursing Excellence. The funds will also be aimed at adding more programs and services for the Career Development Center. Inova’s Commitment to Excellence Award recognizes those who have shown extraordinary leadership and dedication to Inova and have demonstrated they share Inova’s Commitments of Innovative Excellence, Caring about People and Community Responsibility.

Edelman Financial, based in Fairfax, Va., is one of the nation’s largest independent financial advisory firms.  Chairman and CEO Ric Edelman is also an author and host of a national radio show.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.