Celebrating Volunteers' Week 2026
Thank you to all our volunteers!
Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign, running from 1-7 June 2026, celebrating the incredible contribution volunteers make to communities across the country.
At the University of Sheffield, alumni volunteers play a vital role in inspiring, guiding and advising the next generation of students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
By sharing their expertise, networks and experiences, our alumni volunteers are our greatest ambassadors for the university. They inspire prospective students, provide career advice and networks for current students, and enhance the university's reputation across the globe.
Meet one of our volunteers, Misa Okumura
For Misa Okumura, volunteering as the lead for the Japan alumni group is due to her lasting affinity to the University of Sheffield. That sense of belonging inspired Misa to help create opportunities for alumni in Japan to reconnect with each other and with Sheffield.
“We're all connected through Sheffield. I believe that maintaining these relationships is very meaningful for everyone, both personally and for the university.”
As a group lead, Misa organises alumni gatherings and events, always focusing on creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for attendees. Misa’s volunteering experience has been personally rewarding: “Serving as group leader has deepened my love for Sheffield even more.”
Volunteering to lead a growing alumni community has also helped Misa develop new skills and confidence. “As the group grows, the variety of opinions increases, and so do the challenges, but by facing each one and taking on the challenge, I have clearly come to understand my strengths and weaknesses.”
For alumni considering volunteering or joining an international alumni group, Misa’s advice is simple: focus on community. “Instead of thinking of myself as a leader, I humbly try to think of myself as one of the alumni. Don't aim for perfection!”
Did you know?
The total number of volunteers we've had from 2025/2026 is 760 people.
They have volunteered over 12,000 hours this year alone, supporting over 8000 students across hundreds of initiatives, both in-person and online.