Long-time Chaminade University of Honolulu President Sue Wesselkamper has taken a leave of absence due to a recurrence of cancer, the university announced yesterday.

Wesselkamper, who took over as Chaminade's president in 1995, had an apparent recurrence of a tumor and has been dealing with continuing effects resulting from surgery three years ago.

Following the advice of her doctor, Wesselkamper requested, and Chaminade's Board has approved, a leave of absence for medical reasons, the university said in a written statement.

During her leave, the University's Executive Vice President and Provost Brother Bernie Ploeger will serve as acting president.

"President Sue has been greatly encouraged by the well wishes, prayers and support she continues to receive," the statement read.

In December 2006, Wesselkamper underwent what was described as "very major" cancer surgery to her bile duct.

Following the procedure, a surgical oncologist told relatives and friends of Wesselkamper that he was guardedly optimistic that the entire tumor had been removed, university officials said.

Wesselkamper is credited for pulling Chaminade out of a fiscal crisis in the mid-1990s and creating the foundation for robust enrollment growth at the small Kaimuki campus.

Earlier this month, Wesselkamper announced that the university capped off an eight-year effort to raise about $61 million to pay for major renovation and expansion of its campus.