Winthrop Mourns Passing of Emeritus Vice President for Student Life Frank Ardaiolo (05/07/26)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Frank Ardaiolo retired in 2018 after 29 years of service at Winthrop, making him one of the university's longest-serving vice presidents.
• Those who worked with Ardaiolo said he cared deeply about students, encouraged and mentored staff and was a leader among student life professionals.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - Frank Ardaiolo, a Winthrop University emeritus vice president for student life, died May 5 after an extended illness.

He retired in 2018 after 29 years of service at Winthrop, making him one of the university's longest-serving vice presidents.

Those who worked with Ardaiolo said he was a man who cared deeply about students. When the Winthrop men's tennis team was involved in an accident in 1993 that included a fatality and some critically injured players, the public saw Ardaiolo navigate the situation as a university administrator. "We in the Winthrop family saw a different side as he instantly became a surrogate parent and advocate for students whose own parents lived on other continents," said Debbie Garrick '87, '89, who retired from Winthrop as a senior development officer.

"He was a brilliant, funny and kind mentor. Our beloved 'Dr. A.' always went the extra mile for students," she added. "That is what I hope people will remember."

Student Life Leader and Mentor

Others remember him as a leader among student life professionals, who always kept student needs at the forefront of the university. "He was supportive of his staff and would challenge you to be an innovator. This is a great loss for the profession and the Winthrop community," said Cindy Cassens, former director of Residence Life.

Howard Seidler, director of student affairs operations, said Ardaiolo was not only a remarkable leader, but also a mentor and a true friend. "He had an incredibly generous heart and a deep commitment to the people he worked with. He consistently invested in his staff-encouraging us to grow, pushing us to reach our potential, and always keeping our best interests at the center of his decisions," Seidler said. "He was also deeply family-oriented and genuinely supportive of the families of those he worked with, which meant a great deal to all of us."

Seidler loved hearing the stories Ardaiolo shared about his travels with student groups. "Those moments reflected how deeply he cared about students and the experiences that shaped their lives," he said. "Frank believed wholeheartedly in the work we do and in the impact it has far beyond the classroom."

First Challenge was Hurricane Hugo

Ardaiolo came to Winthrop in June 1989 as one of the first hires by then President Anthony DiGiorgio. That September, the campus was hit by Hurricane Hugo, which struck with such force that many of the campus' beloved trees were fallen. Ardaiolo recalled checking on students to make sure they were safe.

Over the years, Ardaiolo dedicated himself to helping students as well as promoting diversity, citizenship and internationality in his work and private life. He led student and alumni trips to Greece, Turkey, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Ireland and Great Britain in an effort to raise global awareness.

Raised in Portugal and West Africa, Ardaiolo served as chair of the Board of Trustees for Friends of Liberia, a non-profit, non-governmental organization. He traveled to Africa as a United Nations-sanctioned peacekeeper during the 2005 Liberian elections.

Closer to home, Ardaiolo was an original member of the city of Rock Hill's No Room for Racism committee. In addition, he served as chair of the city of Rock Hill's Committee on Human Relations and as a member of the Hispanic Education Task Force, the International Center of York County and on the Board of Directors for Keystone Substance Abuse Services.

In his last year at Winthrop, he was awarded the inaugural Civic Engagement Leader Award by the S.C. Campus Compact and the 2018 Dream Keeper Award by the city of Rock Hill.

Active in the development of his profession, Ardaiolo served as president of the Foundation Board of Directors of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). He published more than 30 monograph chapters, articles and essays on legal issues, quality improvement, adult learners, student affairs/academic affairs collaboration, civic engagement and African politics.

He was quite proud of the fact that an exceptional number of student life professionals under his charge at Winthrop advanced to prominent positions in the field, making a testament to his great capacity as a mentor and his commitment to encouraging greatness in others. He also shared his extensive knowledge and experience with students in the development of courses for the Leadership minor program.

Memorials to Student Veterans

Memorial contributions should be designated to the Student Veterans Annual Restricted Fund at Winthrop University. Memorial contributions may be made online here or checks can be mailed to Winthrop University Foundation, 2020 Alumni Drive, Stewart House, Rock Hill, SC 29733.

At Ardaiolo's request, no services will be held.

Surviving are his wife, Joleen; daughter Shannon; two sons, Michael and Matthew; grandson Skyler; and his brothers, Tom and James, who was Ardaiolo's twin.