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OXFORD — Miami University trumpeted the inauguration of President David C. Hodge Friday with pageantry that stretched across campus.

At the tail end of the parade's waves and handshakes, Hodge bowed to the audience of more than 900 at Millett Hall and was medaled as the 21st president in the university's nearly 200-year history.

"There are not words to describe the sense of honor that (my wife) and I feel in joining a community with such deep traditions and purpose," Hodge said. "We cherish the opportunities to serve Miami in our new roles and are eager to join with you to uphold the traditions of excellence and purpose."

During his address to the university and the Oxford community, the new president outlined an ambitious plan to strengthen Miami. In his speech, "The Fusion of Learning," Hodge unveiled plans to merge the missions of teaching, research and service into a unified energy to create "a learning environment that is unmatched by its excitement and accomplishment."

Enhancing graduate programs to promote curiosity among undergraduates was one avenue Hodge said could help the university.

"It is important we have a research-active faculty who continue to develop and use their research capabilities to answer those questions that challenge us," he said.

The new president also said improving diversity, technology and scholarship are facets of his strategic vision for Miami.

Already, the university has taken actions to improve scholarship among its students, Hodge said, especially in the realm of writing, which he said is a vehicle students use to express themselves.

Miami recently received a $10.5 million gift to support a writing excellence center.

Many in attendance said they were moved by the new president's plans.

"I'm very impressed with Dr. Hodge and feel he'll do an excellent job continuing the traditions of Miami," said MU professor Barbara Weinrich. "His central theme of fusion is essential for faculty, scholarship and teaching services."

Among those in attendance, Hodge recognized former Miami presidents Jim Garland, Phillip Shriver and Winifred Pearson, widow of President Emeritus Paul Pearson; Chief Floyd Leonard of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma; Hodge's parents, Donald and Margaret Hodge of Minnesota; and former colleagues from University of Washington.

Miami University's past presidents include:

Robert H. Bishop 1824-41

George Junkin 1841-44

John McArthur 1944-45

Erasmus D. MacMaster 1845-49

William C. Anderson 1949-54

John W. Hall 1854-66

Robert L. Stanton 1866-71

Ethelbert D. Warfield 1888-91

William O. Thompson 1891-99

David S. Tappan 1899-1902

Guy P. Benton 1902-11

Raymond M. Hughes 1913-27

Alfred H. Upham 1928-45

Ernest H. Hahne 1946-52

John D. Millett 1953-64

Phillip R. Shriver 1965-81

Paul G. Pearson 1981-92

Paul G. Risser 1993-95

James C. Garland 1996-2006