LEWISTON – Georgette Berube presented a $500 scholarship check in memory of her late husband, Gerard, to Nicole Stevens, an employee at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and a student at Baker College, on Sept. 22.

What makes the presentation unique is that Stevens works in the department at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center that Berube’s husband managed 27 years ago.

Gerard Berube was director of human resources at the hospital for nine years, from 1968 until his death in 1977. In his memory, the Maine Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration established a scholarship fund in recognition of Berube’s contribution to health care personnel administration in Maine.

According to Mrs. Berube, “Gerry was quite active with the organization. People were always stopping by to visit us at our home, and he’d host a cookout for the membership each summer.” Berube also served as the group’s president from 1971 to 72. It was these close ties that led the organization to honor his memory with a scholarship.

“It’s delightful to meet somebody who is still being touched by my husband’s enthusiasm,” said Mrs. Berube, referring to the award presented to Stevens.

Stevens began her association with St. Mary’s in 2002 as a work-study student from Mid-State College. In her desire to continue her studies, Stevens has found a creative way to attain her business degree. The $500 scholarship will support her study at Baker College’s Online Human Resources Management Program. She works as an employment services specialist at the hospital.

Guidelines for receipt of a scholarship includes current enrollment in either a health care program or a human resources program, Maine residency, a financial need, a positive past academic record and current employment by a Maine health care facility that is a member of health-care administration.

The association also awarded a second $500 scholarship to Kayla Benner, an employee of Miles Health Care in Damariscotta.