They Almost Didn’t Apply. Now They’re Presenting, Leading, and Bringing It Back 

Five U.S. Scholarship winners. Five different journeys. One reason it all mattered. 

Written and interviewed by: Casey Hickman, HEUG Marketing Manager

I caught them between sessions at Alliance 2026, right at the HEUG Booth where members gathered to connect, ask questions, and share what they were learning. 
 
That in-between moment where conversations spill into hallways, ideas are still fresh, and you can already tell what people are taking back with them. 
 
Different roles. Different institutions. Completely different paths to get here. 
 
But one thing came up again and again. 
 
Showing up changed everything. 

Showing Up Wasn’t Guaranteed 

For Scott Frey, University of Colorado, getting to Alliance wasn’t a given. 

“My department doesn’t fund Alliance anymore… I’m here because I’m presenting, I won the scholarship, and I pieced the rest together myself.” 

It took creativity and persistence to make it happen. 

“You never know when you’re going to pick up a good idea… but there’s always something you take back.” 

Showing Up Because Everything Changed 

For Morgan Andres, Duke University, the reason for being here was urgency. 

“I’m picking up financial aid responsibilities… so I’m coming here with a different mindset.” 

Her role shifted quickly, and expectations shifted with it. 

“We’ve been doing things the same way for 20, 25 years… I’m hoping to bring in some innovation.” 

Showing Up Because This Is Where It All Connects 

For Anna Kourouniotis, Duke University, Alliance represents something deeper. 

“This is my favorite conference that I ever get to attend… it’s a reward for all the things that I do.” 

And that experience carries back into her work. 

“I bring back what other people are doing… share connections… share ideas… even things outside my area.” 

Showing Up When It Matters Most 

For Dede Young, Northern Illinois University, the timing could not have been more relevant. 

“There’s a lot going on right now… especially around fraudulent applications… I’m hoping to bring back ideas on what to do.” 

She came looking for solutions she could use immediately. 

“If I bring one thing back, I find it a success.” 

Showing Up and Figuring It Out in Real Time 

For Carolyn Veek, California State University Dominguez Hills, attending Alliance created an opportunity that otherwise would not have been possible. 

“Even with free registration… we couldn’t afford the hotel. Because I could cover that, I was able to come.” 

Once she got involved with the HEUG community, she leaned on it to navigate challenges early on. 

“I put it out on the HEUG forum… someone pointed me in the right direction… and now I’m able to help others.” 

From First Presentation to Career Growth 

“My first Alliance, I was terrified… I was up there for five minutes and thought, I love this.”— Dede Young 

That moment shifted everything. 

“It’s put me in a position professionally to grow… I don’t think I’d be where I am now without it.”— Dede Young 

When Things Don’t Go Perfectly 

“Technology went really wrong… but we adapted and pivoted together.” — Anna Kourouniotis 

What could have been a setback turned into something else entirely. 

Confidence That Stays With You 

“I’m more comfortable speaking in front of people… and reaching out when I have questions.” — Morgan Andres 

That confidence carries back into everyday work. 

Advice From Those Who’ve Been There 

If you are thinking about applying, start here. 

“Have a solid grasp of your intent… and think about the impact your session will have.” — Anna Kourouniotis 

It is not about being perfect. 
 
It is about being intentional. 

“Even if it’s been done before, it’s always new to someone.” 

— Dede Young 

Five Stories One Truth 

Five different paths. 

Five different reasons for showing up. 

But one thing was consistent in every conversation. 

The people. 

The willingness to share. 

The reminder that no one is figuring this out alone. 

That is the power of Alliance 2026. 

It is not just what you learn. 

It is who you learn it with. 

Your Turn 

If you have ever thought about attending Alliance, this is your moment. 

Because the value is not just in showing up. 

It is in becoming part of something that moves with you long after you leave.

Write Your Own Alliance Story

Alliance 2027 heads to San Antonio, March 7 to 10, at the Henry B. González Convention Center. The next round of stories starts the same way these five did: with people who decided to show up.

That could be you.

If there’s a session forming in the back of your mind, put it forward. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It has to be intentional. And even if it’s been done before, it’s always new to someone.

Submit your session proposal by September 11: Alliance 2027 Call for Proposals

And if cost is the thing standing in the way, like it was for Scott, Carolyn, and so many others who found a way, the scholarship exists for exactly that reason.

Apply for a scholarship by September 11: Alliance 2027 US Scholarship Application

Don’t wait to be invited. This is the invitation.