A California State University, Sacramento, professor says he hopes a new campus research library will increase opportunities for area Latinos.

The Serna Center -- named for the late Sacramento Mayor Joe Serna Jr. and his wife, Isabel Hernandez-Serna -- officially opened Monday in the multicultural wing of the University Library.

David Leon, director of Chicano studies and executive director of the Serna Center, said researchers will explore ways to recruit and retain more Latino students and find them better jobs and internships.

"We want to have reports and studies, conferences and workshops," he said of the center, which will run on a budget of about $70,000. "The focus will be on Latinos in Sacramento."

Leon, however, said the center would welcome students and area residents of other backgrounds.

"As you know, Joe and Isabel were very inclusive," he said. "So we are going to be inclusive, too."

Leon said one major goal would be to target high school students in predominantly Latino neighborhoods. Latinos make up 25 percent of Sacramento's population, Leon said, but only 10 percent to 15 percent of CSUS enrollment.

"It's an issue of recruitment and retention of Latino students," he said. "What we can do is look at the problem, do research and make recommendations."

Joseph Sheley, dean of the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies, said he was a proponent of the center when Leon and students first pitched the idea three years ago.

"What made it attractive is that it brought together faculty, students and the community," Sheley said. "I quickly lent my support."

Leon said the concept began as a response to racial tension on campus. A group of students and professors began meeting to discuss improvements, and from their ideas the Serna Center was born. It allowed the campus a way to honor the late mayor and his wife, both of whom taught at CSUS.

It also allowed the campus another minority outreach outlet.

"This particular center is a complement to, but autonomous of, other programs (at CSUS)," Sheley said, alluding to the campus's College Assistance Migrant Program. "The Serna Center will be more of an umbrella."

After two years of budget setbacks, Leon received approval to open the center earlier this year. The Serna Center held a grand opening in April, but because of staffing issues did not officially open until this week.

Leon said he also hopes to research job and internship opportunities for Latinos and other students, particularly in state government.

"We want students getting more involved in public service," Leon said.

Sheley said he expects the center to be a strong link between local Latinos and the campus.

"CSUS, through the Serna Center, will become a clearinghouse, a facilitator, and maybe even a stimulater on Latino issues," the dean said. "And that's rare."