FVCC Foundation announces new executive director
Shannon Schumacher joined Flathead Valley Community College as the new director of the FVCC Foundation earlier this month. Courtesy Flathead Valley Community College
The Flathead Valley Community College Foundation welcomed Shannon Schumacher as its new executive director in early November. Schumacher replaces longtime foundation leader Colleen Unterreiner, who retired in December 2019 after holding the position for 11 years.
Schumacher comes to the Flathead Valley from Bozeman, where she recently served as the associate vice president for development at Montana State University. She brings more than 22 years of nonprofit philanthropy experience to the FVCC Foundation, including 17 years at the Seattle Art Museum, the Pacific Science Center and other organizations.
Schumacher grew up in Columbia Falls and said she understands how important FVCC is to the community and local students.
“When I walked onto campus this November, I was again reminded of the amazing impact FVCC is making on our students and our region, providing access to higher education and promoting excellence in lifelong learning. This, along with the generosity and dedication of our community, is what pulled me back to my home, the Flathead Valley,” Schumacher said.
Schumacher will take the helm of the FVCC Foundation as it enters the home stretch of the ONE Encore Campaign to raise an additional $3 million for a 1,000-seat performance and lecture hall in the new Paul D. Wachholz College Center. The center is slated to open in early 2022.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped us in these efforts,” she said. “Our future is brighter than ever and our campus continues to evolve and grow at a rapid pace.”
Looking ahead to post-pandemic days when it will be safe to gather in groups again, Schumacher said the foundation will resume bringing the community together through the annual Festival of Flavors and other events that highlight the skills of FVCC’s culinary arts and music students.
She also plans to reinvigorate FVCC’s Alumni and Friends program. During her time at MSU, Schumacher traveled frequently to Seattle to serve as the alumni liaison for the College of Letters and Science and the College of Engineering.
“I’m excited to use my experience to engage FVCC alumni at a deeper level,” she said.
The FVCC Foundation was established in 1976 with the goal of supporting scholarships, programs and learning facilities at Flathead Valley Community College. For more information about the FVCC Foundation, ONE Encore Campaign or alumni activities, contact Schumacher at (406) 756-3914 or sschumacher@fvcc.edu.