Kzoo College student dies of meningitis

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A Kalamazoo College sophomore died last weekend from bacterial meningitis complications.

Emily Stillman, 19, was taken to Bronson Methodist Hospital around 2 a.m. Feb. 1, a college spokesperson confirmed to 24 Hour News 8.

"By Friday morning, she was in so much pain from her headache that one of our friends drove her there," said friend Monica Murray.

She was soon diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and passed away Feb. 3.

Stillman lived at Crissey Residence Hall.

College officials, along with the Kalamazoo County Health Department, contacted about 150 students, faculty and staff who had close contact with Stillman in the last week, and provided them with appropriate medication, according to a letter to the campus community from Kalamazoo College President Eileen Wilson-Olyelaran.

"We cast a pretty wide net," said Dean of Students Sarah Westfall. "We contacted over 100 in the first couple hours."

Anyone else who has had close contact with Stillman recently or is experiencing severe headache, fever or neckache is urged to consult a doctor. Those who have had casual contact with Stillman should not be affected.

No additional cases of meningitis have been reported and the health department officials said the likelihood of another case is very low.

About 350 students, faculty and staff members attended at memorial service Feb. 3 at Stetson Chapel on the Kalamazoo campus.

Stillman was remembered as an outgoing sophomore who loved acting.

"I wish I could spend more time with her," said friend Tessa Moore.

In the chapel, fellow students wrote their favorite memories about Stillman. They put together a makeshift candle memorial and comforted one another.

"I think the greatest lesson here is how fragile life is," said Kalamazoo College professor Ed Menta.

About 1,300 people attended Stillman's funeral Feb. 5 at Dorfman Chapel in Farmington Hills. Kalamazoo College provided a bus for about 40 students, faculty and staff to the ceremony. Several Kalamazoo College students spoke and served as pallbearers, according to a news release from the school.

Anyone in the college community in need of counseling may contact the chapel at 269.337.7361 or the counseling center at 269.303.3888. Anyone in need of medical counseling may contact the student health center at 269.337.7200.

A special fund is being arranged in Stillman's memory to aid in the research and treatment of bacterial meningitis. You can send donations to --

Temple Shir Shalom
3999 Walnut Lake Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48323

Phone -- 248.737.8700

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Online:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meningitis information