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.

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

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

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."

The chickens of this world are headed for inevitable disaster. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics, the amount of chicken consumption doubled from 1970 to 2004. The population of chickens in the U.S. cannot possibly keep up with the growing world demand. We must all, therefore, conserve our consumption of chickens. Buy only one chicken for the family at Popeye's. Eat more tofu chicken.

Want some free scantrons? If so, you're in luck. Student Government Association representatives passed a bill Tuesday that will make 2,500 scantrons available for students to pick up at the library.

This is a kept campaign promise, and it's a great option for most students. As a senior majoring in the liberal arts, I am still running through my supply of scantrons that I purchased as an enthusiastic freshman.