Five Howard Payne University students recently returned from a semester in London, where they studied a variety of subjects with the rich history and culture of the city serving as a backdrop.

Joining students from Hardin-Simmons University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, HPU students were taught by three American and five British professors. Dr. Robert Tucker, dean of HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts, sponsored the HPU students and taught music courses including the History of Rock and Roll.

“In addition to traditional lectures, the courses all involved a high degree of London experiences including cathedrals, sculptures, museums, galleries, plays, musicals, concerts, castles and palaces,” Tucker said. “Through these enriching experiences we also learned the history of London and the United Kingdom with emphases on past wars, royalty, politics and culture.”

According to Tucker, the group spent time enjoying the sites in London, Scotland and Wales. Many of the students also took weekend excursions to other countries including Ireland, Greece, Spain and France.

HPU students on the trip were Anna McCay, a senior from Canyon; Courtney Officer, a sophomore from Stephenville; Whitney Sirois, a senior from Sunnyvale; Ethan West, a sophomore from Georgetown; and Courtney Wilmoth, a senior from Paradise.

“My time in London is an invaluable experience that I know will have lasting effects on my life,” said Wilmoth. “Not only was I completely immersed in a different culture, but I made friends and learned so much about the global community.”

Pictured at top: While in London, HPU students had opportunities for excursions to other cities and countries. The students and Dr. Tucker are pictured with students from Hardin-Simmons University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.