William “Brit” Kirwan called on Ohio State to improve its graduation rates, to establish an inclusive sense of community and cited Campus Partners along with the science and technology campus as fulfillment of the university’s land grant mission when he was officially sworn in as OSU’s twelfth president Friday. “It is an appropriate moment to reflect on the world of the next century and our university’s role in it,” Kirwan said to about 1,000 faculty, staff, students and government officials at the Mershon Auditorium.Kirwan’s 21st century agenda includes improving OSU’s academic reputation, the enhancement of diversity and the fulfillment of OSU’s land grant heritage.”Predictions are always difficult especially about the future,” Kirwan said, quoting New York Yankee Hall-of-Famer Yogi Berra.”We must dedicate ourselves with uncommon purpose to moving OSU to the top ranks of public universities.”Kirwan’s goal is to catapult OSU into the top 10 public universities in the country.”We will expect our graduation rate, not just our athletic teams, to lead the Big Ten,” he said.Kirwan said diversity is important to OSU because in the coming decade more than 80 percent of the work force will be comprised of women and minorities.”We must establish a more inclusive sense of community,” he said. “I want OSU to be a place where excellence and diversity are inexplicably linked.”OSU is obligated to serve the community in some capacity because its land is furnished by the state. Kirwan’s third initiative for OSU, commitment to serve the community to fulfill its land grant mission, aims to uphold the obligation.Kirwan said Campus Partners’ projects and the science and technology campus currently fulfill OSU’s duty to the community.”We must engage the residents of the university district to strengthen the infrastructure of the community,” he said. “I want OSU to become the land grant university for an information age that all others will emulate.”Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, Jo Ann Davidson, endorsed OSU’s relationship with the state of Ohio.”The purpose of a land grant institution is to provide a broad segment of the population with practical education which can have a direct impact on their daily lives,” she said. “We are with you because we know we need each other to succeed.”Kirwan concluded with appreciative remarks compelling the audience to give him another standing ovation.”I want to thank all of you,” he said. “Your support is something I will never forget, forever treasure and always endeavor to justify,” Kirwan said.