Pomp and circumstance at Aurora U.

Some waited four years.

Some waited longer.

So it probably was no big deal for Glenda Evette Willis, the final student called at Aurora University’ commencement ceremony Sunday, to wait two hours for the big walk across the stage to receive her Bachelor’s Degree of Social Work.

“This is a university with one mission, to change lives — your lives — with learning,” University President Rebecca Sherrick told the 600-plus graduates. “Your learning never stops and because of that, AU will be here for you forever.”

Held on the campus’ sun-drenched quadrangle under a massive white tent, the university’s 118th commencement not only honored its most recent crop of graduates, but recognized others as well.

Honorary degrees were awarded to Don E. and Betty Jane Tucker of Kitty Hawk, N.C., 1951 and 1952 Aurora College alumni, respectively.

The Tuckers urged students to give full effort at everything in life no matter what.

“Life is like a card game,” John Tucker said. “It’s not the hand you’re dealt that matters. It’s how you play the cards.”

Added Betty Tucker: “We, and our society, need your best.”

Ariane Christine Arlie of Chicago, a business and commerce major, received the Spartan Award, which the university’s top honor for a student.

Arlie recalled how she and others fought through challenges to make it to this big day and that while graduates were crossing the finish line in one race, other courses awaited.

“The Class of 2011, you have made it to the finish line but a new race is about to begin,” Arlie said. “The race is not given to the swift or the strong, but to those who endure to the end.”