It’s May and I’m beginning to hear a familiar tune around campus.

The seniors have been humming it, counting down the days till the symphony will perform the classic.

The tune is “Pomp and Circumstance.” The day is graduation.

And as those seniors walk across the stage, receiving their degrees, NIU will say goodbye.

But saying goodbye this year may be harder than years past for one part of the university – the athletic department. The class of 2006-2007 may have been the best NIU has seen.

Four, OK, maybe five years ago, these students walked onto the campus scared, bewildered and lost. They were like any freshman: completely overwhelmed.

However, through their time here this group has become one of excellence, dedication and determination.

For four years, Kate McCullagh and Gina Guide have dominated Victor E. Court. McCullagh crushed the school record for career kills, Guide for career digs. And both received national honorable mentions.

Justin McGrane became the first player in NIU history to be invited to the MLS combine.

The men’s soccer team, which got to the second round of the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history is losing McGrane as well as others.

Scott Simon has been a name on the baseball team for years. The offensive cannon holds NIU records for the most career at-bats, hits, doubles and RBIs.

This year will also be the last year for closer Matt German. His 21 career saves is a best for the Huskies.

Midlands winner Mike Grimes has spent all his eligibility for the wrestling team, which also waves goodbye to Johnny Galloway and Danny Burk. All went to the NCAA tourney.

Coach Carol Owens will be without Stephanie Raymond, the dynamic guard drafted No. 20 overall by the Chicago Sky.

Raymond is ranked in the top five in scoring and assists at NIU. Kristin Wiener, who averaged 15 points and eight rebounds per game, will also be off the court.

And then there was football. With 52 touchdowns, 5,164 yards, and so many memories, the Huskies have to say au revoir to Garrett Wolfe.

Intangibles Doug Free, Jake Nordin and others will also be missed.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the class of 2006-2007.