In a move to strengthen the connection with its vast alumni community, Virginia Peninsula Community College has welcomed Michelle Shonk as an assistant director, Alumni and Community Engagement.
Shonk, a VPCC graduate, comes to the role having served as an assistant director of Marketing – Creative Services.
She is proud to be among hundreds of students who arrived at the College with uncertainty and left with solid academic credentials, including degrees, certificates and workforce development training. She is eager to engage with fellow alumni to help strengthen VPCC’s presence on the Peninsula and beyond.
“I am excited to re-engage with our alumni and be a part of building a strong community connection within our service area,” she said. “VPCC alumni of all walks of life have success stories and resources to share. It is important to tell these stories. Our alumni are forever part of VPCC’s legacy, and we want to recognize this. Gators forever!”
While others have served in a similar capacity at VPCC, Shonk has high hopes for her new role. She aims to bring on board other alumni who share her love for the College and want to be part of its growth.
“It is my sincere hope to build an active Gator network that connects our alumni, the community and the College. The vision is that this network will be a resource for sharing and gathering information regarding events, opportunities at the College and within the community,” stated Shonk.
She began her association with the College as a part-time computer lab staff member while pursuing her degree. A graduate of Hampton’s Phoebus High School, U.S. Army veteran and first in her family to earn a college degree, Shonk appreciates the scholarship and financial aid VPCC afforded. The student experience validated her belief that VPCC transforms lives.
After graduating with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Arts in 2001, Shonk joined the marketing team full-time as a graphic designer and manager of Media Design and Productions Services.
She has made steady contributions to VPCC’s mission during her longtime tenure. In 2021, when the College changed its name from Thomas Nelson Community College to Virginia Peninsula Community College, she was at the forefront of rebranding efforts. In a yearlong process involving feedback from students, College leaders, faculty, staff, and the community, Shonk designed a new VPCC logo and official seal. The new brand, unveiled in November 2022 with a new tagline, reflects the Peninsula’s land and water and symbolizes a strong, rising pathway to opportunity, she explained.
The work was personal.
“When our community thrives, we all thrive. Our mission is your success,” she said in 2022 as the new brand was revealed.
Her stance hasn’t changed.
“After the college switched to online learning during the COVID-19 epidemic, many of our alumni and community connections suffered. I desire to build, recreate or strengthen those connections resulting in a solid alumni foundation that benefits our students and community,” said Shonk.