As the 20th year of El Camino president Tom Fallo’s retirement approaches a near, the presidential forum heats up.

With now being down to the final five presidential candidates: Kathleen Burke, JoAnna Downey-Schilling, Dena Maloney, Sandra Mayo and Ron Taylor, the real question arises: Who is going to be elected as El Camino’s new president?

These forums will occur from Oct 5-6, and this is no better time and place for all EC community members to question their candidates and address any concerns they might have.

This is an important event because it will serve as a great opportunity for the EC community to unify as a whole and to get to know the candidates.

This pivotal event will also mark as the first ever presidential forum that EC has ever hosted.

Surprisingly however, not many students are fully aware of what is going on, even after an email was sent out to the whole campus informing students of these forums.

This raises deep concerns about the active participation of the students in these forums.

Students are failing to realize the importance of their engagement in this forum and the significant role they play in it.

During his presidential term, Dr. Fallo has led to the successions in the construction bonds, one in 2002 and another in 2012 that have had a huge contribution in the progression of the campus.

As a student, faculty and/or EC community member you have the right to be selective with your new leader because it can and will have an impact on you, whether it be small or huge.

By part-taking in these forums you will get your message across while also making your opinion count.

The board strongly encourages all members of the EC community to attend this forum to meet and greet the five prospective candidates, and to become active participants in it.

Witness as these candidates prepare for the final stretch of their presidential campaigns, while also becoming part of this progressive historic momentum at El Camino.

So I am reaching out to you all and stressing the importance of these forums, the ball is on your court.

Use your voice, after all it is your most powerful asset.

Empower yourself through it.

The forums will be scheduled as followed:

Location: Campus Theatre

Oct. 5

-JoAnna Downey-Schilling 10 – 11 a.m.

-Dena Maloney 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

-Kathleen Burke 12:20 – 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 6

-Ron Taylor 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

-Sandra Mayo 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.