Barbara Bush, who left college before graduating to marry George Bush, was given an honorary doctor of humanities degree Saturday and praised as "a role model for wives and mothers across the land."

Mrs. Bush urged graduates of St. Louis University to "set sail and take risks" as they leave school, reminding them that no decisions they make early in life are irrevocable."You need not have a game plan for life," she told them. "George Bush certainly didn't. I know. I was there."

Mrs. Bush also made an indirect peace offering to feminists at Wellesley College.

"Somewhere in this audience today may be a future president of the United States," Mrs. Bush told the 1,488 graduates of the Roman Catholic school. "And I wish her well."

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Last month's announcement that she would give the commencement address at the Massachusetts women's college June 1 drew protests.

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