§ 5702. Objects and powers of the corporation. The leading object of said corporation shall be to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts, including military tactics, in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions of life. But such other branches of science and knowledge may be embraced in the plan of instruction and investigation pertaining to the university as the trustees may deem useful and proper. Said university is authorized to establish faculties, departments and branches and carry on its work at any places in this state and to confer any and all literary, scientific, technical and professional degrees, and in testimony thereof award certificates and diplomas. Persons of every religious denomination, or of no religious denomination, shall be equally eligible to all offices and appointments.