A Thank You to You During National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month—a time to recognize the selfless contributions of individuals who give their time, energy, and passion to make a difference in their communities. Among those working behind the scenes are the dedicated students and advisors who power college media outlets across the country.

From newspapers and radio stations to digital platforms and broadcast studios, student-run media serves as the voice of campus life. These outlets inform, engage, and inspire their peers—often while juggling classes, jobs, and countless other responsibilities. And most of the time? They do it for the love of storytelling, truth, and community impact.

To the student journalists who stay up late editing stories, who brave early morning interviews, and who chase leads between class breaks—thank you. Your curiosity, integrity, and persistence fuel not just headlines but meaningful conversations on campus and beyond.

To the editors, photographers, producers, designers, and podcasters—you are shaping the next generation of media. You balance deadlines with discussions, technical skills with creativity, and you do it all in an ever-changing media landscape. You are learning by doing, and it shows.

And to the advisors—the mentors who guide with patience, challenge with care, and support through every late-night crisis: thank you for being the steady hand behind the scenes. Your wisdom and encouragement help shape not just stronger journalists, but more confident, thoughtful individuals.

National Volunteer Month is about acknowledging those who give back—and college media is one of the purest examples of giving time and talent for the greater good. Thank you for your work, your voice, and your impact.

You make media matter. You make community stronger. And you deserve every bit of applause.