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SOU president to undergo breast cancer surgery By TONY BOOM Mail Tribune ASHLAND - Southern Oregon University President Elisabeth Zinser will have breast cancer surgery this afternoon at Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford. In a letter addressed to friends and colleagues Monday, Zinser, 61, said the cancer is in the first of three stages. The cancer was detected in the early stage because Zinser noticed a change and had also received annual mammograms. "... the good news is that it is 'entirely fixable' in the words of my internist, radiologist, and surgeon," Zinser wrote. "I am a survivor by nature and intend to take full advantage of my family's longevity." SOU Provost Sara Hopkins-Powell will handle presidential matters until Zinser is gradually able to return to work. Zinser and Hopkins-Powell will remain in touch during the president's absence. "Obviously everybody on campus is concerned and wishes her the best. We feel reassured from her own words that this is at an early stage ... and that she will be able to be back with us soon," said Hopkins-Powell. "She's a very optimistic person. She's also somebody with a tremendous amount of energy. I think that those things will stand her in good stead as she faces this challenge," Hopkins-Powell added. Hopkins-Powell learned about the cancer and surgery Monday morning. Zinser will have a mastectomy and reconstruction. She expects to remain in the hospital for five days. Zinser has frequently had follow-up mammograms and ultrasounds because of a physical characteristic that make detection more difficult. With such uncertainty, she has chosen to have the surgery. She was diagnosed on April 16. Rather than sending flowers during recovery, Zinser asks that well-wishers consider a donation to a campus campaign for the library's expansion and enhancement. Zinser became SOU's president on Aug. 1. She was previously chancellor of the University of Kentucky's Lexington campus. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.