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September 15, 2009
FAMU Mourns the Death of Senior Courtney Simms
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) is mourning the death of Courtney Simms, a senior in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, who passed away on Monday, September 14, 2009.
“We are saddened by this loss of a talented young lady who had her whole life ahead of her,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “Our hearts go out to her family and all of the students who were close to her. It is truly a great loss.”
Simms was a former anchor for FAMU-TV 20. She also was a member of the Presidential Ambassadors and the FAMU Images Modeling Troupe. This summer, Simms worked as an intern at WTXL-27 in Midway. Simms served as the spokesperson for Fashion Fair Cosmetics in 2007.
Officials in the School of Journalism are in the process of planning a memorial service. Details will soon be announced.
According to health officials, Simms contracted bacterial meningitis. She was residing off campus at the time. Health officials presumed that she had a type of meningitis that is contagious.
According to Tanya Tatum, director of the FAMU Student Health Center, only those in close contacts (i.e. those living and eating with her) would need to receive preventive care. All of those individuals have been contacted and received the proper medical attention. According to health officials, causal contacts with those in classes or along campus walkways would not need medical attention.
Tatum noted that common symptoms of meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord) include a high fever, stiff neck and headache. Individuals may also experience nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sensitivity to light.
“All of these symptoms may appear quickly or over several days,” she said. “It is a requirement by the state of Florida that university students provide proof of immunization against meningitis. Some of our students opt out. I encourage all students to receive this vaccination. We offer this service through our health center for FAMU students.”
In cases of meningococcemia (bacteria that has spread throughout the blood stream) symptoms may include fever, fatigue, vomiting, chills, rapid breathing, diarrhea, severe pain in the muscles, joints, chest or abdomen and a rash.
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September 17, 2009
Memorial Service for FAMU Student Courtney Simms
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A memorial service to honor the life of Courtney Simms, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) student and former FAMU-TV 20 anchor who died Monday, September 14, will be held Thursday, September 17, on the FAMU campus.
“Weather permitting, we’ll start at 1 p.m. at the Eternal Flame and move into Lee Hall Auditorium,” said James Hawkins, dean, FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. In the event of rain, the service will start in Lee Hall Auditorium at 1:15 p.m.
“Courtney touched many lives,” said Hawkins. “We want to show our appreciation for Courtney and the fine work she has done within the school and the community.”
The program will include tributes from, faculty, students, family, friends, and a performance by FAMU Images Modeling Troupe.
“We are saddened by this loss of a talented young lady who had her whole life ahead of her,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “Our hearts go out to her family and all of the students who were close to her. It is truly a great loss.”
According to health officials, Simms, 22, contracted a rare blood infection known as bacterial meningitis. Simms, a broadcast journalism student, was a native of Gary, Ind. and was on track to graduate this December. She served as a FAMU Presidential Ambassador and spokesperson for Fashion Fair Cosmetics in 2007. She also worked as an intern at WTXL-TV last summer and was a server at Andrew’s Capital Grill & Bar.
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