It has been reported that Rachel Futterman, a student attending the University of South Florida has died after contracting bacterial meningitis

It is being reported that the death of a student from the University of South Florida is suspected to be the result of bacterial meningitis.

Rachel Futterman, 19, fell ill on Friday and was hospitalized the following day.

"Rachel was our student and part of our family," said Judy Genshaft, president of USF. "It has been an emotional weekend, and our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends. We'll do everything we can to provide counseling and support services to those who need them."

Dozens of students who came in direct contact with Rachel have been put on strong antibiotics to protect them from developing the virus. She did not attend classes late last week when she would have been the most contagious.

"Cipro--the pill we gave to students over the weekend--is for people who may have had direct contact with someone with bacterial meningitis," said Dr. Terenzi. "The vaccination is a drug called Menactra. It's for long-term protection."

"Our first reaction to the diagnosis on Saturday was sadness for the student and her family," said Dr. Jennifer Meningall, vice president of Student Affairs. "We were concerned that members of her sorority were okay, both mentally and physically. At the same time, we had to gather all the information we could, identify students who might have had direct contact with the victim, and go the extra mile to alert everyone on campus. Given the size of the university, very few people would have potentially had direct contact, but we felt everyone needed to know so they could take the precautions they believe necessary."

A memorial service was scheduled for tonight at the M-L-K plaza on USF's Tampa Campus.