What It Takes to Show Up and What Comes Back With You 

Global scholarship winners share what it takes to attend Alliance and what they bring back 

Written and interviewed by: Casey Hickman, HEUG Marketing Manager

At Alliance 2026, the conversations went far beyond the room, connecting perspectives from across the globe. 
 
These HEUG Booth interviews captured at the hub of energy brought together voices navigating different systems, different constraints, and different realities. 
 
And still the same question kept coming up. 
 
How do we take what we learn here and make it work back home. 

Showing Up When Representation Matters 

For Caitlin Anderson, The University of Auckland in New Zealand, attending Alliance meant something bigger than just professional development. 

“Without the scholarship, I wouldn’t be here… we would have no representation from New Zealand.” 

Being here was not just about her. 

It was about showing up for her institution and her region. 

“It’s about revitalizing our engagement… showing people back home just how valuable this can be.” 

Her goal was clear. 

Bring something back that creates momentum for others. 

Showing Up When It Is Not Easy to Get There 

For Nilgun Agat, University of Manchester in the UK, the biggest barrier came before the conference even started. 

“Flights, accommodation, daily expenses… it’s significantly more expensive coming from Europe.” 

That reality changes how institutions prioritize attendance. 

It is not always about interest. 

It is about what is possible. 

“You can send five people to a conference in Europe for the same cost as one or two coming here.” 

So when someone does make the trip, it carries weight. 

“I’m coming back with really good products… things I can show my team and convince them to come.” 

For Nilgun, attending is not just participation. 

It is advocacy for what comes next. 

Showing Up With Real Problems to Solve 

For Moby Onuoha, McMaster University in Canada, attending Alliance was directly tied to the challenges his institution is navigating right now. 

“I don’t think I would be here if not for the scholarship… we’re being asked to look inward financially.” 

Like many institutions, his team is balancing priorities with limited resources. 

That made this experience more than just valuable. 

It made it necessary. 

“Many institutions have similar challenges… this gives me the opportunity to learn what others are doing and apply it back home.” 

He came with specific goals. 

And left with ideas he could act on. 

“See how others are doing it and apply that at my institution.” 

Advice From Those Who Made the Trip 

If you are thinking about applying, start here. 

“Absolutely apply. If you don’t apply, you definitely won’t get it.” 
— Caitlin Anderson 

It starts with taking the step. 

Even if you are not sure where it leads. 

“Don’t be afraid of applying. Many institutions are facing similar challenges and people can learn from your experience.” 
— Moby Onuoha 

Your experience is not isolated. 

It is part of a much larger conversation. 

Three Stories One Shared Reality 

Different paths. Different systems. Different realities. 

But the same thing showed up in every conversation. 

A willingness to share. 

A commitment to learn from each other. 

A reminder that no matter where you are, you are not doing this work alone. 

That is the power of Alliance. 

 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 Caitlin, Nilgun, Moby and so many others who found a way, the scholarship exists for exactly that reason.

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

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