Mark Lucas '94

	Mark conducted the University of Oklahoma's first-ever Young Men's Vocal Workshop last January. More than 600 young men from across Oklahoma attended the event, which Mark planned and organized.

As assistant professor of choral music education and of the associate director of choral activities at the University of Oklahoma, Mark Lucas '94 "makes music on a daily basis with wonderful people." As Well as conducting the OU Men's Choir and the University of Oklahoma Choir, Mark teaches conducting and music education methods classes and supervises student teachers.

Mark holds master's and doctorate degrees in choral conducting, and his students have won conducting competitions and gone on to successful teaching careers. Bethany prepared him to succeed, he said: "The vocal/choral instruction and experience I got at Bethany was unlike any I could have received at the other institutions I considered. The faculty not only allowed me to be independent, but encouraged it." Experiences like conducting the chapel choir increased his confidence and instilled humility.

Mark remains in touch with many friends from Bethany - whose careers now range from business owners to professional performers. "I can't imagine an atmosphere more suited to cultivating long-term serious friendships than at Bethany College," he said. "Not only can I say I made great friends at a Bethany, but they are friends I still respect greatly for their musicianship, spirituality, and general excellence in what they do."