COMMUNICATOR
September 22, 2023

Alumni in the News – January 2017

Navy Son Follows Similar Career Path as Father
Charles “Charlie” Ardinger, Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps in the Navy by becoming first a boatswain’s mate (aviation) then progressing through the ranks to Commander. An E-7, Ardinger, Jr. proudly wears the anchors. Ardinger, Sr. had the pleasure of pinning his own anchors, retired in 1980, on his son. Jr. enjoys mentoring sailors and having a positive impact on the lives of others. He holds a B.S. in business administration from Columbia Southern University.

Veteran Graduates from Operation New Uniform
Jewel Augustus recently graduated from the Operation New Uniform program in Ponte Vedra, Florida. The program was created in 2014 with the intent to assist veterans in a successful transition from military to civilian life. This graduating class is the 16th since the program’s inception. Augustus has enjoyed a 20-year career with the U.S. Navy. She earned an MBA from Columbia Southern University.

Coralville Seeks Replacement for Retiring Police Chief
The City of Coralville’s chief of police is retiring and the city has selected four finalists to replace Chief Bedford. The remaining contenders will all take part in assessments before a decision is made at the end of January. Coralville Lt. Shane Crone is among the four finalists and has worked his way through the ranks of the police department over the past 27 years. He earned an M.S. in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University.

CSU Graduate to Wed in the Spring
A wedding will take place in March for Jessica Fountain of Brewton, Ala. and Daniel Echols of Pensacola, Fla. Echols earned a project management degree from Columbia Southern University.

Ft. Myers Appoints Interim Fire Chief
Vincent DiCristofalo has been appointed as Interim Chief of the Ft. Myers Fire Department in Florida. A trained firefighter for almost 20 years, DiCristofalo first served in the U.S. Army as a medical specialist where he honed his paramedic skills. DiCristofalo earned a B.S. in fire science administration from Columbia Southern University.

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