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.

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."

Dust. That's exactly what stray thoughts and worries turn into when cranking the pedals up a steep grade with no end in sight. Your heart's heavy thump pounds in your ears. The fire burning in your legs...

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.

As graduation approaches many senior students are left with the startling realization that they are about to enter the real world. Many are afraid or unsure what lies ahead while others already have a job lined up. A select few however, join a program known as Teach for America, which allows college graduates the chance to work in urban and rural schools for two years in low-income communities across the United States.

What is your favorite TCU memory?

"Freshman and sophomore year, a bunch of friends and I would go late at night and play Sardines [a game like hide and seek] on the academic side of campus. We'd hide in the most awkward spots in Sid Rich[Sid W. Richardson Building], in the stairwell behind the library and even in a storm drain next to Beasley."

Anthropology major Stefanie Grows from El Dorado Hills, Calif.

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.

Days after learning the university's athletic teams will begin a new era by moving to a new conference, students can watch the beginning of a new era for Amon G. Carter Stadium. Director of Communications...