Eastern President Carol Surles is getting right to work upon her return to Eastern, with an Illinois House Appropriations Committee testimony from her scheduled for today at 9 a.m.

“As in past legislative sessions, my principle task during this session is to make our case for funding before Senate and House Committees,” Surles said.

Surles has been preparing all week for the testimony.

“As if I were preparing for a major examination,” Surles said.

Surles said she is happy to be back at Eastern after returning Monday from a sick leave that began Dec. 1.

“It is good to be back at Eastern,” Surles said. “I very much appreciate the warm sentiments expressed by many members of the university and the larger community.”

Surles was diagnosed with breast cancer in early September and underwent surgery Sept. 18. After returning to complete the faculty salary contract, Surles took sick leave starting Dec 1 to undergo a chemical treatment and physical therapy.

“During my absence from campus, I spent a week at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center conferring with a large team of physicians and undergoing tests,” Surles said, “I have gained a wealth of information, and now I must shift through it to plan a long-term course of treatment.”

“My prognosis is quite good, but I must make the right decisions to realize my favorable prognosis,” Surles said.

Surles said she plans to give her State of the University address sometime in April.

“This address is usually delivered in March, but delivering it a bit closer to the end of the legislative session is not a bad idea,” Surles said.

Surles also complemented the work of those in her absence.

“The university has benefited from an excellent team of administrators, namely, the President’s Council,” Surles said. “This dedicated team working with the senior Vice President, Lou Hencken, has moved the university forward gracefully.”

“Our work is cut out for us. As we approach the spring and summer months, I have no doubt that the same vibrance that characterizes these seasons will inspire us to prepare well for another fall freshman class,” Surles said.