FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Westminster, Md. - The Carroll Hospital Center Foundation awarded the first scholarships of the Libman Nursing Scholarship Fund to Lori Mercer, a hospital employee, and Christine Peterlinz of Hampstead. Each one-year scholarship is for $2,000 and will be applied toward payment of tuition, books and other expenses associated with pursuing a nursing degree. The Libman Nursing Scholarship Fund was established this year for nursing students at Carroll Community College and named in honor of Westminster resident Frank Herbert Libman, whose gracious donation made the scholarship fund possible. Libman is a member of the Carroll Hospital Center Foundation Board of Trustees and former president of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. The Carroll Hospital Center Foundation maintains the scholarship fund. The fund is designed as a resource to help local students further their nursing education. Each year, at least one student enrolled in the nursing program at Carroll Community College will be awarded a scholarship. To be considered for a scholarship, students must be a resident of Carroll County who is seeking an R.N. degree at Carroll Community College. Special consideration is given to students currently working at Carroll Hospital Center. Mercer, who also resides in Hampstead, has worked as a patient care technician at the hospital for nearly two years. She hopes to work in critical care once she receives her nursing degree. “I’m extremely thankful to be one of the scholarship recipients,” Mercer said. “I have learned so much from the nurses here, and I think that will benefit me in my studies.” For Peterlinz, a single mother of two, the motivation to pursuit a new career in nursing stems from her experience of having worked with people of all ages and walks of life. “It is a great honor to have received one of the first scholarships,” Peterlinz said. “This [scholarship fund] is a fabulous opportunity Mr. Libman and the hospital have made available for the community. The scholarship will help me tremendously in reaching my goal of becoming a nurse.” Founded in 1961 as Carroll County General Hospital, Carroll Hospital Center is a nonprofit, acute care facility offering a continuum of services, including comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and community programs.