By Emily Danger, Admissions Counselor II, Palmer College of Chiropractic
As I reflect on my first time attending The Assembly, I can’t help but smile and reflect on all of the meaningful moments and connections that we built during our time together. From gathering in the PBLs, to watching our colleagues light up the room with their presentations, to time spent laughing, sightseeing, and building upon the foundation of transfer, there was something special about being together.
But isn’t that what conferences are for? The moments when we can all come together, recharge our batteries, ignite the flames we have burning inside, and strive for the greater good of our students?
It would seem, then, that no place to host the conference was more fitting than just steps away from some of our nation’s most historic landmarks. While attending the conference, several of us had the opportunity to step away from our work and be transported back in time to the historical steps of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.
There are no words to describe the overwhelming feeling that surrounded me when I looked up and saw Abraham Lincoln sitting tall. I was transported into a place of reflection, history, and hope for our future. Being immersed in our nation’s history reminded me of the impact that individuals can have through leadership, service, and a commitment to something greater than themselves.
These historical places are here because they have made an impact on our country. As we sat in our PBL pods, we were reminded that we, too, are contributing to the future of higher education and that our voices are powerful.
Every person who attended The Assembly cares deeply about their work and about making their institutions better, safer, and more accessible places for students. Not only for transfer students, but for every student who seeks to build upon the opportunities that higher education provides.
And I wasn’t alone in feeling that sense of renewal.
“The Assembly 2026 provided a unique opportunity to work through real-world higher education challenges alongside colleagues from institutions across the country,” shared Ashley Stully, Assistant Registrar, Transfer Credit at Texas Christian University. “The project-based learning sessions encouraged creative thinking and gave me practical strategies that will help me advocate for transfer students and support student success initiatives. I left energized by the collaborative experience and inspired to apply new ideas and tools in my daily work.”
At the end of the day, one thing that we all have in common is our willingness to step outside of our comfort zones and fight for what is important for our students. We are constantly seeking ways to advocate for better opportunities, greater access, and the ability for each student to advance their education. I couldn’t think of a better or more empathetic group of people to lead the charge for our transfer students.
Perhaps that is what I will remember most about my first Assembly: the people in the room, the conversations in the hallways, the ideas shared across PBL tables, and the reminder that the work we do matters.
If you have never attended The Assembly, I hope you will consider joining us at the next one. Come ready to learn, but also come ready to share, connect, laugh, ask questions, and leave a little more inspired than when you arrived. Because sometimes the most meaningful part of a conference isn’t what happens on the stage. It is what happens when we come together.
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