Johns Hopkins University is mourning the loss of junior Rachel Reichner, who died Saturday morning at her home in New York after a long battle with cancer. She was 20.

Reichner was a member of the Johns Hopkins Hillel community and was studying chemical and biomolecular engineering. A funeral will be held today.

One of her professors, Ted Lewis, said that Reichner's illness forced her to drop his Introduction to the Hebrew Bible course last semester.

"Yet despite her ongoing hurdles, she was determined to finish the class studying at home while undergoing treatment," said Lewis, the Blum-Iwry Professor of Near Eastern Studies. "Rachel did indeed finish the course, taking the exam in early February. She performed extremely well, all while battling cancer. Such intelligence. Such determination. Such courage. Such perseverance. Such inspiration.

"We are the poorer now at such sorrowful loss, yet by far the richer for knowing such an inspiring person as Rachel Reichner," he said.

News of Reichner's death was shared with the Johns Hopkins community today in a message from Kevin G. Shoellenberger, vice provost for student affairs, and Terry Martinez, dean of student life. They urged anyone in need of support to reach out to the Counseling Center at 410-516-8278 or to Campus Ministries at 410-516-1880.

They added that, per Reichner's desire, donations in her memory could be directed to either:

The 37 Foundation

95 S. Magnolia Street

Pearl River, NY 10965

or

Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center

1275 York Avenue

New York, NY 10065