2 MISSION COLLEGE CANDIDATES MAKE THEIR CASE.

Byline: Harrison Sheppard Staff Writer

SYLMAR - Two of the four finalists for Mission College president introduced themselves to the public for the first time Monday night in a community forum on campus.

The four candidates are Celia Barberena, vice president of student services at Hartnell Community College in Salinas, Calif.; Karen Grosz, chief academic and student affairs officer for the Connecticut Community College system; Adriana Barrera, a fund-raising consultant and former president of El Paso Community College in Texas; and Thomas Morales, vice president for student affairs and dean of students at City College of New York.

Barberena and Grosz, who spoke to the public Monday, both said they had inclusive styles that would involve students and the community in decision-making.

The two candidates said they understand the importance of recognizing ethnic differences and working with the sizable Latino population on campus and in the community.

Barberena said she would meet regularly with student leaders and solicit opinions from the community as to what direction the college should head.

At Hartnell, she said, ``We created a culture that's very productive, very democratic and very uplifting, and contributes to the morale of everyone who is working for our college.''

Grosz said one of her first steps would be to conduct a survey of students to find out their needs and to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the campus.

``Many problems can be resolved if people focus on what serves students well, rather than what serves other interests,'' Grosz said. ``Because, quite frankly, the college exists to serve the students.''

The other two candidates will be introduced tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mission College Campus Center, 13356 Eldridge Ave., Sylmar.

The Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees will interview all four candidates in closed session Wednesday night, but a date has not been set for a final decision.