In 2019, TWUC introduced an Educational Scholarship Program to provide learning opportunities for underwriters in their early to mid-careers who are passionate about expanding their underwriting skills and knowledge. In honor of the many contributions of founding TWUC member, Liz Collier, we are excited to announce the scholarship has been renamed The Liz Collier TWUC Scholarship.

🎓 2026 Liz Collier TWUC Scholarship

Thank you to all 2026 TWUC Scholarship applicants!

Congratulations to our 2026 Scholarship Recipients:

Dustin Ketcham, RN, BSN from MassMutual and Erika Brown, Certified FALU, FLMI, ACS from RGA as winners of the 2026 Liz Collier Scholarship!

Dustin Ketcham

As part of the application process, we asked Dustin why he wanted to attend TWUC. He shared:

“I spent a decade working as a financial advisor selling life insurance and investments to military families. In doing so, I found an interest in underwriting, which is when I decided to further my education and become a registered nurse. This unique background landed my dream job as a life insurance underwriter. Now having spent five years in underwriting, what keeps me passionate is the dynamic nature of the role—there’s never a dull moment, and each day brings fresh opportunities to learn and advance. This constant evolution is one of the aspects I value most.”

Well said, Dustin!

Erika Brown

We also asked Erika why she wanted to attend TWUC. She responded:

"Participating in TWUC will allow me not only to expand my own expertise but also to contribute to meaningful conversations that advance the underwriting profession"

We couldn’t agree more, Erika!

Scholarship benefits:

  • Complimentary registration

  • Hotel accommodations coordinated by TWUC at the Courtyard by Marriott, Allen, TX

  • Travel reimbursement up to $500 (flights/car/food/parking/mileage)

  • Industry Recognition

  • Professional development opportunities

Eligibility criteria:

  • Full-time life, disability, or critical illness insurance underwriter

  • Minimum of two years of underwriting experience

  • Successful completion of at least one underwriting industry course or equivalent medical certification (LOMA, ALU, etc)

  • Approval from company direct manager to attend the conference

  • Open to U.S. and international underwriters

Key Dates:

  • March 1, 2026 - TWUC Scholarship opens

  • July 15, 2026 – TWUC Scholarship deadline

  • August 1-5, 2026 – TWUC Scholarship winners notification

  • August 17, 2026 – Deadline for acceptance by two winners

  • October 7-9, 2026 – TWUC Annual Conference

Past scholarship winners:

2025: Danielle Coppola (CRL Plus) and Emily Hutchison (Principal)

2024: Trevor Walter (National Life Group) and Kelly Carr (American National)

2023: Ana Ramirez (National Western Life)

2022: Daiana Rodriguez (Mass Mutual), Christine Gallego - runner-up (Mass Mutual)

2019: Breann Brown (New York Life Insurance)