MEQUON, Wis. -- President George W. Bush encouraged graduates at Concordia University in Mequon to help build more compassion in society and "a culture of life in America."

The president talked various religious and faith-based issues in his commencement speech.

He said the country will encourage religious and faith-based charities and won't exclude them from federal grants.

The university awarded the president an honorary doctorate of laws.

One student got the opportunity to meet Bush.

Junior Rebecca Haupt (pictured, right) was chosen to greet the president because of her dedication to volunteer service.

This was the first time a sitting president visited Concordia.

Bush said that one of his Secret Service agents is a graduate of the university.

The president's 11th visit to Wisconsin also drew protesters (pictured, left).

Mary Devitt, of Glendale, held up a sign of protest at a busy intersection near Concordia. She said she doesn't want her tax dollars to be used for a war she doesn't believe in.

Republicans have had their eye on Wisconsin since the president lost the state by fewer than 6,000 votes four years ago.

Both Republicans and Democrats have already bombarded the state with ads for November's election.

John Kerry

The state Democratic Party and the Wisconsin Kerry campaign are planning a protest in Mequon at the corner of Mequon and Port Washington starting at noon.

Several state representatives are scheduled to speak along with Kerry's Wisconsin campaign director, George Twigg.

Kerry still has no firm plans to visit Wisconsin.