Congratulations are due for the December 2010 graduates. An estimated 440 undergraduate students will cross the stage Dec. 18, 2010, with degrees from at least one of eight individual colleges. Students...

For Neeley School of Business marketing instructor Bob Akin, graduation is the hardest part of his job.

"It's like giving up your own children," he said. "You want to keep them."

For eight years, Akin has watched his former students walk across the graduation stage and into successful careers.

Although he received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from TCU, Akin never saw himself teaching here 8212; or anywhere, for that matter.

Three December graduates share their memories and offer suggestions from their experiences abroad. While overseas, they experienced exotic food and diverse lifestyles and saw sights ranging from Machu Picchu in Peru to the Eiffel Tower in France. TCU students travel to Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and other destinations through the study abroad program. Twenty-eight percent of this year's seniors have studied abroad.

Strategic communication major Mckenzie Zieser

Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.

Destination: Seville, Spain

Time: Spring 2010

MEN'S BASKETBALL

The men's basketball team will take on Northern Iowa Saturday at home with a 6-2 record and a chance to achieve its best record after nine games since the 2000-01 season.

After defeating Prairie View A&M 78-61 on Wednesday, TCU improved to 5-0 at home for the first time since the 2000-01 season.

Northern Iowa is coming off of a 60-54 win against Iowa State. The Panthers are now 3-2 for the season.

SWIMMING & DIVING

What's after graduation?

Alex Ferguson, a finance major from Fort Worth

"I will be working for the Burleson [Area] Chamber of Commerce as the director of community outreach. I started a youth initiative and plan on being there for at least a year to see the changes through and leave a positive impact on the community."

Katlin Beecherl, an interior design major from Dallas

What would you consider to be the killer job?

"Playing center in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys."

Josh Vernon, Irving; communications major with a minor in educational studies

"Playing in the league [NFL]."

Wayne Daniels, Kilgore; general studies major with an emphasis in communication

"Being a kindergarten teacher and working with young children everyday."

Sarah Schmidt, Fort Worth; education major

While the main focus of the university's move to the Big East Conference has been the effects it will have on the athletic programs, other departments on campus are anticipating impacts as well.

Sports Broadcasting Program Director Charles LaMendola said students majoring in sports broadcasting who have gained experience by filming, directing and working production for university athletic events aired on The Mtn. will have to shift gears to accommodate the Big East.

The Horned Frog hand sign isn't only thrown up at sporting events for graduating senior Kailea Browning. For her and her long generation of TCU legacies, the Horned Frog hand sign is shown at weddings too.

At her brother's wedding reception, the Browning family proudly gathered around a purple Horned Frog wedding cake while showing their everlasting TCU pride.

"That was a moment my family and I will always remember," she said. "Not everyone can share something that special."

Alumna: Katie McCann

Year of Graduation: 2010

Major: Fashion merchandising

Current city: Dallas

Job: Wedding planner for Todd Event Design Creative Services

Words of wisdom to graduates: "Hard work pays off and it's never too early to start looking for a job. My two-year internship turned into a job which not only allowed for a relaxing senior year, but most importantly, I knew I would be doing something I really loved."

Alumna: Lindsay Ray

Year of Graduation: 2010

Major: Entrepreneurial management and theatre double major

Men's basketball head coach Jim Christian said the TCU's conference change to the Big East has generated excitement within the program and a readiness to compete.

"Our kids are excited about it, our fans are excited about it and obviously I'm excited about it," Christian said.

The men's basketball team, however, was questioned by many as to whether the program was developed enough to play on the same level as the other teams in the Big East.

Every program across the country has gone through cycles of highs and lows, Christian said.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Miguel Ortega, an international communication major from Jefferson

"I'm planning on applying to various universities for grad school and going into higher education student affairs."

Pat Keiser, a secondary education in social studies major from Hinsdale, Ill.

"In five years, I see myself teaching history at the high school level. I'm not real sure where, but I have a few places in mind."

Stefanie Grows, an anthropology major from El Dorado Hills, Calif.