2020–2021
HORNED FROG FAMILY WEEK M
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About This Guide CollegiateParent has published this guide in partnership with Texas Christian University. Our goal is to share helpful, timely information about your student’s college experience and to connect you to relevant campus and community resources. Please refer to the school’s website and contact information below for updates to information in the guide or with questions about its contents. CollegiateParent is not responsible for omissions or errors. This publication was made possible by the businesses and professionals contained within it. The presence of university/college logos and marks in the guide does not mean that the publisher or school endorses the products or services offered by the advertisers. ©2020 CollegiateParent. All rights reserved.
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For more information about future events, please visit what2do.tcu.edu.
Student Activities
The Guide
INSIDE
Welcome Horned Frog Parents and Family ............................... 6 Student Affairs ..................................................................... 8 SGA: More Than Just Governing ............................................. 9 Students Leading the Way in Creating Memories .................... 10 Dungeons & Dragons: More Than Just Fantasy ...................... 12 Celebrating Cultures and Building Connections ...................... 14 Careers Beyond the Classroom ............................................. 16 Designed to Lead ............................................................... 17 Wellness: It’s More Than Physical ........................................ 18 Connecting and Finding a Home .......................................... 19 Changing the Landscape of Greek Life .................................. 20 Creating Leaders for Life ..................................................... 21 Blending Together Faith, Community,
and Intellectual Curiosity .................................................... 22 Bringing Global Citizenship to TCU ...................................... 23 Helping Students During Adversity ...................................... 24 History-Keepers ................................................................ 25 Coaching Students to Succeed ............................................. 26 TCU Traditions .................................................................. 27
WELCOME
HORNED FROG PARENTS AND FAMILY Dear Horned Frog Parents and Family Members, We welcome you to Horned Frog Family Week! Clearly, it is not the same as an on-campus/in-person Family Weekend, but this week is going to be fabulous for all TCU students and their families. What an exciting, if unusual, time to be the family of a college student. You have no idea how excited we are your students are here in person and/or online! This booklet showcases some of the programs that make TCU special. Many of these programs will exist as they are described, others will be modified this year to accommodate the safety requirements under which we all live. In either case, these programs and more are making a major impact on students – your students.
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I also want to invite you to join the TCU Parents Association! Visit us online at sds.tcu.edu/parent-family/tcu-parentsassociation and check out our many parent and family involvement opportunities. If you are a new family and for some reason did not participate in TCU Parent Orientation, there is still a great deal of information for you to learn. TCU Parent Orientation can be found at sds.tcu.edu/parent-family/#Informationfor IncomingFamilies. If you are on Facebook, you may go to the TCU Parent & Family Programs Facebook page and like it! We post all information specifically for parents and families on that page. You may also want to request to
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join the TCU Parents Association Facebook page. That space is for parents to ask other parents for helpful tips and tricks, such as how can I get a birthday cake delivered? Where does your student get their car fixed? Please answer the three questions at the beginning. Our parent administrators are very strict! This group is for TCU parents ONLY! One final point — if your student EVER says, “There is nothing to do here! I’m bored!,” send them to two websites that you can visit as well: sds.tcu.edu/student-organizations and what2do.tcu.edu. You and your student will be stunned at what there is to do at TCU, even in this unique year! We will be in touch with you throughout the year! Please be in touch with me if there is any way I can be helpful to you!
Go Frogs! I care! Kay Higgins, Ph.D Associate Dean, Student Development Director, Parent & Family Programs Student Development Services BLUU 2003 Fort Worth, TX 76129 817.257.7855 office 817.917.8538 cell
Texas Christian University
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STUDENT AFFAIRS
For more information about Student Affairs, please visit studentaffairs.tcu.edu.
The Division of Student Af fairs at TCU provides student programs and services that suppor t student success and enhance the collegiate experience. TCU of fers a rich learning environment, and through a variety of experiences, students engage in an intensive process of intellectual, personal, moral, and social development.
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Student Affairs holds a special, but not exclusive, responsibility to assure that the co-curricular learning experiences of students are of high quality; are directed to the development of students; and meet both institutional and individual student needs. The following articles provide a snapshot of the ways TCU Student Affairs is impacting the student experience and educating TCU students to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in our global community. To view the full text of the Student Affairs Impact Report, please visit studentaffairs.tcu.edu.
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MORE THAN JUST GOVERNING
For more information about SGA, please visit sga.tcu.edu.
The Student Government Association (SGA) represents the collective voice of the student body while encompassing the spirit of the TCU community through service, programming, and legislation. SGA achieves this mission through the House of Student Representatives; suppor ting student programming on campus; and allocating funds to suppor t student projects, student organizations, and create permanent campus improvements. SGA is especially proud of the financial support provided to student organizations in order to enhance the student experience. Each year, SGA distributes $125,000 in funds to student organizations at TCU. This money creates vibrant on-campus events and programs in addition to generating hands-on experiences for student leaders by providing them with resources to execute their vision.
Depending on the year, between 120 to 160 organizations and sport clubs receive financial assistance from SGA. By supporting student programming and allocating funding to these organizations, SGA is actively enhancing the spirit of the TCU community.
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STUDENTS LEADING THE WAY IN CREATING MEMORIES
For more information about upcoming events, please visit studentactivities.tcu.edu or what2do.tcu.edu.
What does it take to organize and produce over 200 events per year focused on student engagement and community building? No, it’s not a team of professional event planners; it’s more than 100 TCU students who are members of theCrew and theEnd that are creating ways for students to connect, release stress, and have some fun. TheEnd and theCrew work together to create an engaged community at TCU. Both organizations are focused on making sure students are cared for and creating unique memories. These memories could include riding a mechanical bull in the BLUU, petting therapy dogs during finals week, sliding down a huge water slide in The Commons, or watching a Grammy-winning band, just to name a few. These events give students the chance to meet other students, have fun, and feel connected to the TCU community.
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Students in theCrew plan, organize, and execute continual programming each week during the school year, typically hosting two to three events every week on campus. The primary focus of theEnd is events on Friday and Saturday nights. Even through the pandemic, theCrew and theEnd have continued to fulfill their mission – offering in-person programs that meet campus and CDC guidelines, as well as opportunities for virtual engagement online.
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This programming is important because it is more than just events. We are creating a space for people to have fun and connect with others that they may not see or interact with on campus. Through music, comedy, or any of our events, it creates a commonality between students and gives them a safe place where they know others are enjoying the same thing. It creates a community, even if it is only for a small moment in time. Kelly Lee, Activities Coordinator and theEnd Advisor
Texas Christian University
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MORE THAN JUST FANTASY
In the fall of 2019, the Counseling & Mental Health Center launched the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) Suppor tive Community to combat a loneliness factor they believed could be af fecting cer tain groups of TCU students. In less than a week, the D&D Suppor tive Community was full, and a waitlist created. Dr. Eric Wood, Director of Counseling & Mental Health, explained. “Our Support Communities is a new initiative to bring together like-minded students to combat the negative effects of social isolation and loneliness. Many students who are gamers report a perception that they don’t fit into the mainstream campus culture. This perception creates a risk for mental health problems, as well as threats to school retention. We’re already seeing overwhelming positive results in terms of attendance, community building, and excitement from the students.”
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Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy tabletop game that first came out in 1974. According to Wizards of the Coast, the publishers of D&D, there are currently an estimated 13.7 million active D&D players worldwide. And with D&D becoming more mainstream, in part thanks to it being featured in the Netflix hit Stranger Things, projections are that the number of D&D players will continue to rise. In D&D, you play as a group with each player creating a character with different skills and personality traits. Everyone in the game goes on an adventure together. D&D forces players to work together to find creative solutions to unpredictable problems.
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To learn more about campus support communities and the Counseling Center, please visit counseling.tcu.edu.
“Quite honestly, it is the best part of my week every week,” Arie Wright, a Fashion Merchandising major said. “I’ve never really had difficulties with academics in my time at TCU, but instead I have struggled to find a community where I fit in. I struggle with anxiety and was diagnosed this semester with ADHD; I often struggle to keep my attention on the task or conversation at hand. The one time each week where I do feel comfortable, feel normal, and have fun, is at D&D. No matter how stressful
the week, how bad my day, or how isolated I feel, I always feel better leaving the weekly session. I feel more centered, more anchored, more valued, and I have people to communicate with during the week to discuss the campaign or my character. For three hours every week, I have the sense of community I have been craving for the last three years. I feel my mental health has been helped by the weekly session, and that the community has helped me feel more anchored to TCU.”
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CELEBRATING CULTURES AND BUILDING CONNECTIONS
For more about Inclusiveness & Intercultural Services, please visit diversity.tcu.edu.
The mission of Inclusiveness and Intercultural Services (IIS) at TCU is to promote diversity, inclusiveness, and cultural awareness throughout the TCU community. The depar tment provides suppor t, guidance, and encouragement to TCU students, faculty, and staf f through a variety of services, including cultural programming, mentoring, diversity training, and academic and community involvement. Social responsibility, compassion, value for diversity, and communication are learning outcomes that Inclusiveness and Intercultural Services strives to incorporate into its experiential learning oppor tunities and programs provided to the TCU community. One of the many ways IIS fulfills this mission is through events such as the Unity Celebration. The Unity Celebration creates a student-centered inclusive space that highlights the achievements of TCU’s graduating multicultural students by honoring diversity and celebrating cultural traditions. This is an opportunity for students to celebrate their culture, accomplishments, and achievements with family and friends.
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“One of our student workers asked to give a speech on the day of the event. Though hesitant, we allowed her to speak her truth, which needless to say, brought the audience to tears. A valuable lesson was reinforced that day. What we do matters, the support we provide students transforms, our students are always listening and watching us, and we do make a difference in students’ lives,” explained Timeka Gordon, Director of Inclusiveness and Intercultural Services and the Community Scholars Program.
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To learn more about the Center for Career & Professional Development, please visit careers.tcu.edu.
CAREERS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM The Center for Career & Professional Development is wellequipped to prepare students for today’s constantly changing job market. As employers face the challenge of building skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced teams, TCU is ready to connect highly talented students with a wide range of employers, both locally and beyond. The Career Center meets with students from their first days on campus to senior year and beyond. Its team of career consultants provide personalized coaching and career advising services for all majors.
Career Center priorities include building inclusive programs and resources that equip TCU students with the skills and experiences to learn and lead in their chosen career path. One program that embodies this priority is the Intern Scholarship Program. The Intern Scholarship Program was founded in 2013 with the goal of providing TCU students with financial support to secure and complete local, national, and international internship opportunities. The program started by funding 150 students with $300,000. Since then, through the generous donations of over 17 foundations, programs, and individuals, the program has provided over $2 million to support more than 1,200 TCU students completing internships in 30 states and 30 countries.
We know that our students’ first job will not be their last job. We also know that today’s jobs require a blend of both core abilities — including teamwork, communication, and motivation — and key competencies along with technical skills, intercultural fluency, and leadership. We are excited to connect new and emerging employers to TCU and ensure our students are always career ready. Mike Caldwell, Executive Director – Center for Career & Professional Development
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To learn more information on the Leadership Center, please visit sds.tcu.edu.
DESIGNED TO LEAD Taking its cue from TCU’s mission statement, the Leadership Center prepares individuals to become ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community by providing oppor tunities to create positive change in themselves, on campus, in the community, and around the world. The TCU Leadership Center serves as a clearinghouse for programs, information, and resources related to leadership skill development and training. The Center par ticipates in various scholarship and leadership award programs that suppor t leadership development and of fers non-credit classes for students who are interested in growing as leaders. One such program is the Chancellor’s Leadership Program. The Chancellor’s Leadership Program (CLP) is a leadership development program guided by the Social Change Model of Leadership Development. Open to all majors, this program offers a co-curricular, three-year, guided cohort experience for students who commit to learning how leadership development will contribute to their education and their communities.
Throughout the program, CLP Fellows are expected to complete a number of activities, including identifying their leadership style and strengths; participating in leadership retreats; creating meaningful dialogue with their cohort peers; active community service; and the completion of a Social Change Legacy Project. The Social Change Legacy Project provides students the opportunity to create lasting social change in their communities, focused on a social topic of their choice. These students truly are learning the meaning of leadership, not just for themselves, but for their community and the world.
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For more information on Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion, please visit campusrec.tcu.edu.
WELLNESS:
IT’S MORE THAN PHYSICAL
Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion staf f members dedicate themselves to educating students to practice self-care and provide programs and services that allow students to live toward optimal wellbeing as par t of their daily lives. With 543,601 total visits and 85% of the student body visiting the Rec Center annually, the benefits of these programs are surely being felt across campus. TCU’s Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion conducted a research study that looked at first-year, full-time students and their involvement in their programs, compared to their GPA, and the results were undeniable. “We found that the more students participated in our programs, specifically using the Rec Center, taking a fitness class, and playing intramurals, the better the GPA. We also looked at retention and found that high levels of engagement
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resulted in a 96% retention rate,” stated Jay Iorizzo, Director of Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion. It’s not just GPA and retention that are affected by the programs offered by Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion. Social engagement, leadership skills, critical thinking, and suicide prevention training that could save someone’s life are also being delivered to TCU students through these programs.
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To learn more about Housing & Residence Life, please visit housing.tcu.edu.
CONNECTING AND FINDING A HOME TCU is a residential campus, with over 5,000 students living in campus facilities. But Housing & Residence Life is about more than just providing clean, safe residential facilities. Their goal is to turn residence halls at TCU into caring communities where individuals can learn to make college feel like home. Every day at TCU 139 Residence Assistants and 14 Hall Directors show encouragement, caring, and support to TCU students living on campus. This group is a part of Housing & Residence Life, and they are living its mission: to empower students to develop authentic relationships and inclusive communities while providing an exceptional residential experience.
Parker Gonzalez, a pre-business major, struggled his freshman year with isolation and loneliness. Parker explains how the resident assistants in Moncrief Hall felt like a family to him and helped him during this time of isolation. “They all came from different walks of life yet were all bonded together and worked to make my first year as connected as possible. Their empathy, along with my hall director, saved me from a year of despair as their aid helped me become consistent in my habits and find a positive outlook on life.�
Easily, the most rewarding part of being a hall director is walking alongside your residents as they figure out the person they want to become. Imani Wimberly, Assistant Director of Housing & Residence Life
Texas Christian University
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To learn more about Fraternity & Sorority Life, please visit greeks.tcu.edu.
CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE
OF GREEK LIFE One of the great things about joining a fraternity or sorority at TCU is that students get to interact with others from different backgrounds and experiences. This idea of brotherhood and sisterhood is the cornerstone that each fraternity and sorority is built upon. Diversity in the community gives students the opportunity to learn life lessons from one another, as well as learn about different cultures, experiences, and skills. Organizations that are a part of fraternity and sorority life on TCU’s campus that underscore the significance of diversity among culturally and religiously-based groups include the Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the Independent Greek Council. The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) serves as the governing council for one music fraternity, the Latino/Latina fraternities and sororities, an AsianAmerican sorority, and a multicultural fraternity. The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) serves as the governing body for the nine historically African-
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American fraternities and sororities, of which TCU has five active chapters. The Independent Greek Council (IGC) includes faith-based and band/music organizations. Through fellowship and acts of community service, everlasting bonds and friendships are built within each organization and the councils at large.
When a student joins NPHC, they gain not only their chapter brothers or sisters, but also lifelong relationships with everyone in the council. I know that I can count on anyone in my council, not only the members, but also the Fraternity and Sorority Life office. They have been very supportive and have made sure we feel welcome and valued in this institution Doreen Nyambuka, NPHC President and undergraduate student
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To learn more about Leaders for Life, please visit sds.tcu.edu.
CREATING LEADERS FOR LIFE Leaders for Life (L4L) is a four-year, cohort-based leadership development and retention program designed to provide underrepresented students with tools to be successful both in and out of the classroom. Professional development workshops in L4L are designed by the student director board and professional staff around the concepts of diversity and inclusion, balance, self-investment, leadership, wellness, and career. Students also participate in peer and staff mentoring, retreat opportunities, and mentorship trainings. The first year of L4L includes mentoring meetings with trained upper-division mentors and L4L staff, exclusive
professional development workshops, and participation in leadership seminars. The second year includes continued curriculum focusing on opportunities to increase financial literacy, set goals, create action plans, and increase resilience. The third and fourth years focus on mentoring firstand second-year students, while preparing for leadership after college. L4L students develop a strong bond in their cohort and are able to benefit from that group of peers for their entire TCU career.
I am so grateful, daily, that L4L exists. Without L4L, I would not understand the importance of mentorship. I would have less confidence presenting in crowds. I would speak up less. Because of L4L, job opportunities have opened. Relationships have blossomed. Resources have been discovered and utilized. Connection after connection have been made, the list goes on. I cannot emphasize the impact L4L has made on my TCU experience. It is a privilege to be a member of this program Selena Connell, General Communications Studies Major
Texas Christian University
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BLENDING TOGETHER
FAITH, COMMUNITY, AND INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY For more information about Religious and Spiritual Life, please visit faith.tcu.edu.
TCU’s Religious and Spiritual Life (RSL) depar tment leads the charge to suppor t students’ pursuit of spiritual grow th, while fostering a campus atmosphere where all members of the TCU community can fully express their beliefs, values, and traditions. Building community, bridges, suppor t, and identity are key initiatives that Religious and Spiritual Life provide TCU, its students, faculty, staf f, and community. Religious and Spiritual Life provides support, advising, and leadership development for over 25 affiliated campus ministers and religious life staff, as well as over 180 student leaders. These ministers, staff, and student leaders all come together to serve over 1,500 students involved in one of 23 diverse religious student organizations.
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In addition to providing support to campus groups, the RSL team is here to support individual students, as well. Whether through individual pastoral spiritual care, small groups, or campus-wide outreach in times of crisis, the TCU chaplaincy team serves students, faculty, and staff, both in times of great struggle and celebration.
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For more information about International Services, please visit internationalservices.tcu.edu.
BRINGING GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP TO TCU International Services suppor ts, nur tures, and helps guide students from all over the world, helping to make TCU a global environment where students can come together and learn from one another. The depar tment works to ensure the full engagement of 620 international students and alumni who represent 84 nations around the world from undergraduate to Ph.D. level study. International Services places its first efforts on student well-being in the classroom and campus community, providing programs, support, and opportunities for U.S. and international students to engage at TCU. Programs like Global Ex, Frogs for Rwanda, and International Orientation are organized around a co-learning model that stresses the two-way nature of educational exchange. With a nine percent increase in international students coming to TCU, a major role of International Services is to assure accuracy, transparency, and compliance around the complex rules and regulations surrounding immigration law and travel to and from the United States. The department maintains consistent support to international students not only during their time on campus, but up to three years following their graduation from TCU. After graduation, International Services maintains students’ immigration records, works with them to file reports with the government, and supports them when there is a change in immigration
status. The team at International Services handles complex regulations and at the same time continues to work to make TCU feel like a second home for students.
At some point culture shock hits, and this is when the international community becomes most pivotal, because you realize you are not alone. Not only do you have peer support, but you also have advisors in International Services that genuinely love and support your endeavors. Lisa V. Brandreth, Business Information Systems Major from South Africa
Texas Christian University
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HELPING STUDENTS DURING ADVERSITY For more information about Campus Life, please visit campuslife.tcu.edu.
The Campus Life Dean’s Office promotes student health, wellness, and academic success by identifying challenges, encouraging self-advocacy, and coordinating support services for students experiencing situations that may affect their personal and academic goals. The team of Campus Life deans utilizes a positive, collaborative, and student-centered approach to best assist students facing adversity. When student behaviors warrant concerns about safety and well-being, Campus Life works with students to think critically and re-assess educational and personal plans. Campus Life frequently consults and educates faculty regarding overall student wellness and individual student concerns when necessary. In addition to working with faculty, they also provide resources that encourage resiliency for students who may be experiencing situations that interfere with learning, development,
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success, and safety. Students of concern are referred to other on-campus resources, such as the Counseling and Mental Health Center, Health Center, Center of Academic Services, or another appropriate department. Students in college often experience personal victories, as well as times of struggle and discovery. Campus Life supports students when they need it the most, helping them to strive to the goal of health, wellness, and academic success.
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HISTORY-KEEPERS For more information about senior photography or to purchase a yearbook, please visit yearbook.tcu.edu.
Since 1897, the student-run Horned Frog Yearbook has been recording TCU’s history in writing and stunning photography. Even though the covers and layouts have changed over the years, the yearbook staff continues to maintain the same goal — to preserve the University’s history and traditions. The Horned Frog is a 500-page, full-color book that covers academics, athletics, organizations, fraternity and sorority
life, student life, and all of the people on campus. It is the only official ongoing history of TCU. The Yearbook offers free portrait sittings every fall and spring semester for graduating seniors. These sessions include the opportunity to take senior portraits in cap and gown.
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COACHING STUDENTS TO SUCCEED For more information about Student Success Coaching, please visit sds.tcu.edu.
Student Success Coaching is an oppor tunity for students to benefit from one-on-one coaching within a solution-focused model. Success coaches work with students to develop goals and action plans to achieve those goals by exploring student strengths and focusing on solutions rather than problems. Common topics students and their coaches discuss include time management; study skills; connecting with peers and faculty and staff; and finding meaningful involvement on campus.
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Students schedule appointments with their coaches themselves and can meet with their coaches as many times as they wish. The vast majority of students who have met with student success coaches since the inception in the spring of 2019 have reported an increase in confidence in their own abilities and a decrease in their stress levels. During the fall semester, coaches will continue to provide individual student success coaching appointments virtually to promote personal development for students.
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TCU
TRADITIONS
TCU is a place of spirited belonging where Horned Frogs have long found connection through our culture and traditions. Learn more about some of our favorite and most beloved TCU traditions.
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HORNED FROG LYRICS Fight Song
Fight Song Chant
We’ll raise a song, both loud and long
F-R-O-G-S F-I-G-H-T
To cheer our team to victory
Purple, white, Horned Frogs fight
For TCU, so tried and true,
Victory, victory, right, right, right
We pledge eternal loyalty.
Rah, Rah, TCU!
Rah, Rah, TCU! Fight on boys, fight, with all your might. Roll up the scores for TCU. Hail white and purple flag, whose heroes never lag, Horned Frog, we are all for you!
Alma Mater Hail, all hail, TCU Memories sweet, comrades true Light of faith, follow through
Rah, Rah, TCU! F-R-O-G-S F-I-G-H-T Go, go, Horned Frogs go TCU Frogs fight!
Riff Ram (Traditional Cheer) Riff, Ram, Bah, Zoo Lickety, Lickety, Zoo, Zoo Who, Wah, Wah, Who Give ’em hell, TCU!
Praise to thee, TCU!
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Frog Horn
Hand Sign
This 3,000-pound, 120-decibel locomotive horn was built in three weeks in 1994 by a team of engineers from Burlington Northern Railroad Company and donated to TCU. Since that time, it has appeared at football, baseball, and bowl games and parades. The Frog Horn is traditionally sounded each time the Horned Frogs score during a game.
In 1980, head cheerleader Chad Schrotel ’82 and his peers decided a hand signal would be a great way to show solidarity and promote school spirit. They settled on the current curled finger salute, with the protruding knuckles resembling the horns on a real horned frog.
School Colors The official TCU colors are purple and white. Purple represents loyalty and white for a clean game. According to TCU history, these school colors were most likely adopted in 1896.
SuperFrog In 1979, TCU Athletics Promotions Director John Grace created SuperFrog as part of a campaign to promote TCU on campus and in the local community. Grace wanted a mascot that would help create a fun atmosphere at sporting events (in contrast to the previous mascot, Addie, who was made from papier-mâché and looked like a dragon). In 1999, SuperFrog received an image makeover, replacing a potbelly and TCU t-shirt with a muscular physique and updated wardrobe.
Horned Frog Sculpture The horned frog statue rests at the heart of campus in the outdoor mall adjacent to Sadler Hall. Commissioned by Student Government in 1984, the statue was created by international sculptor and TCU parent Seppo Aarnos. Since its installation over 30 years ago, it has become a tradition for students to rub the frog’s nose for good luck before a test.
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Chapel Bells In 1984, the Verdin firm of Cincinnati completed the installation of the Robert Carr Chapel Carillon. Unlike many other carillons that use cast metal bells, the Robert Carr Carillon is electronic. Each hour on the hour, the 186 “bells” of the Carillon ring out the first few measures of the TCU Alma Mater.
Horned Frog Yearbook
Frog Fountain Frog Fountain was placed outside the old Brown-Lupton Student Center in 1969. As a focal point of campus life for decades, the Fountain features four stylized flutes topped with lotus petals. The motif was chosen because of the historic association of the lotus with education. Each of the flutes symbolizes a different class of students (freshman being the shortest and seniors being the tallest) over which water flows, representing the sharing of knowledge and wisdom from class to class. The Fountain was removed in May 2006 for the construction of the Campus Commons. In the spring of 2008, the original lotus petals returned to campus in a new base and plaza featuring the University’s name and horned frog images.
Class Ring In January 2002, TCU unveiled a class ring as a symbol of the University. The ring, designed by 15 students, faculty, staff, and alumni, features the University seal and a horned frog. The official TCU ring is a reminder that the wearer is part of an elite group of graduates and the TCU family. Class rings are sponsored by the TCU Alumni Association.
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Since 1897, the student-run Horned Frog Yearbook has been recording TCU’s history. Even though the covers and layouts have changed over the years, the yearbook staff continues to maintain the same goal — to preserve the University’s history and traditions.
Carols by Candlelight For over 40 years the TCU community has gathered in Robert Carr Chapel the Monday of finals week in December for the annual Carols by Candlelight service. Various TCU student groups share their gifts of music, offering songs of the season. Those in attendance also sing Christmas carols; light candles to celebrate the hope, peace, love, and joy of the holiday season; and reflect through Scripture readings and prayer. Afterwards, cocoa and cookies are offered on the lawn for some Horned Frog fellowship.
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Frog Camp Since 1993, Frog Camp has prepared new students for life outside of the classroom at TCU. Whether it’s rafting down a river in Colorado, walking along the Berlin Wall, line dancing in the Fort Worth Stockyards, or conquering Grimy Games, each camp helps new students make friends, discuss college issues, and immerses new students in TCU history and traditions.
Senior Toast First held in 1999, Senior Toast is the first official celebration of commencement weekend at TCU. This tradition, which began with just 100 graduates, now includes over 1,500 TCU seniors. The event is hosted by the TCU Alumni Association and includes food, beverage, prizes, and plenty of Horned Frog spirit.
Senior Sunrise Started in 2017 by a student, Senior Sunrise began with a simple goal: to bring the graduating class together to celebrate and mark their last day of undergraduate classes. This spring semester event begins in Amon G. Carter stadium, where seniors watch the sunrise and reflect on their time at TCU. Following the sunrise, the seniors share one last on-campus meal together in the Market Square cafeteria before attending their final classes.
TCU Rangers Dedicated to promoting TCU school spirit both on and off the field, the TCU Rangers are an intricate part of TCU Athletics. Initially founded in 2009 as an all-male spirit organization, the Rangers have evolved into a coed team of 25 committed TCU students who love the Frogs. The Rangers attend athletic events and bring energy to the games by operating the TCU Frog Horn, assisting with banners, t-shirt tosses, flags, and much more.
Texas Christian University
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Horned Frog Family Week is sponsored by Student Activities and the Student Government Association
Student Activities
