Farewell President Collins Archives - Page 15 of 23

GCT TOUR

Bob Saraceni ’70

Congratulations on your retirement.

Glad I was to provide both of you the tour of Grand Central Terminal, especially the climb to the clock tower and the lookout thru the number VI window.

You were a great President, constantly putting Clarkson out front for the whole country to focus on the institution as a leader for others to follow

All the Best, Enjoy your retirement!!!

Best Wishes – Tony & Karen Collins

Ken Baker ’69

Wow, it has been many years since we met Tony and Karen. I met Tony when I was a Trustee on the Board and he was still in the Civil Engineering department. He came to the board meeting and discussed a strategic plan for the University. I was immediately impressed with his forward thinking for the University and his command of the topic . He was someone special. Little did I know at the time how significant this event would be for both Clarkson and I.

Shortly after this ,while on the Board physical plant committee I lead a discussion to move the majority of the universities facilities to the hill campus. After much debate it was agreed to begin this historic journey .

President Denny Brown decided to retire and the board selected Tony Collins as the new president of Clarkson and to lead the transition to the hill. Our earlier meeting at the board was beginning to become a significant milestone for Clarkson – new President and new hill Campus. Tony has lead the transition to the hill campus over the past 20 years in a masterful way. He and Karen have dedicated an amazing amount of time developing proposals and acquiring the funds to turn this dream into a reality. I was very proud when the board decided to name the new campus the Collins Hill Campus. A fitting tribute to both Karen and Tony.

Over his tenure as President of the University, Tony and I have worked on a number of initiatives that have transformed the definition of a Clarkson education.

Stemming from the universities efforts with the DOE Sunrayce program and the SAE mini Baja programs, we developed the SPEED team concept. Clarkson was able to compete with and beat large Universities in various competitions thru their extraordinary teamwork on engineering and management. This literally created the “ mouse that roared” in worldwide competitions. This team concept is being expanded into other areas of research, engineering, and innovation.

This led to the innovation hub concept. A central location for students to work together as teams on the development of the commercialization of technical opportunities. Clarkson is a leader in jump starting new business ventures and creating the innovation dynamic on campus.

One very special memory was when Tony and Karen decided to drop in on us here in Scottsdale to attend the annual alumni hockey telecast. They came to the telecast that I hosted at our golf club and everyone enjoyed the casual interaction with both Tony and Karen. I really enjoyed our time after the telecast sitting around a campfire talking about the vision for the next 125 years of Clarkson Education. A special time with two very special people.

Overall. It has been an honor to serve Clarkson University with Tony and our friendship with Tony and. Karen is something that Suzi and I hold very dear. They are both very special and unique people who demonstrate the principles and culture of the Clarkson University heritage and have built friendships based upon trust, leadership and consideration for others… Tony is truly a “workman that needeth not be ashamed”!

Ken and Suzi Baker ’69

Congratulations and Very Best Wishes

Dana Barry ‘

Dear President Tony Collins and Karen Collins,

Congratulations for your great accomplishments and contributions to Clarkson University, the North Country, and beyond. I wish you continued success, good health, and a wonderful retirement. Very Best Wishes Always, Dana Barry

A Vegan Restaurant in NYC

Catherine Snyder ‘

Back in 2018, after only working at Clarkson for two years, I had the opportunity to work on an initiative with Tony that took us to NYC for a few meetings. On one particular day, we found ourselves around lunchtime with no specific plans. I suggested a nearby vegan restaurant that is one of my favorite places to eat in New York…not really expecting Tony to agree. Well, those of you who know him better than I did at that point will not be surprised that he readily agreed, and enjoyed the experience. As we chatted over lunch he commented that Karen will be very pleased that I brought him to a healthy restaurant in the City!

Family Affair

Robert Storms ’74

Neither of my parents were educated beyond high school. My mother didn’t work outside the home. My father was a one man electrical contractor. He died unexpectedly at 44. I was 13.

My mother took it on herself to ensure all her children went to college. After Dad died, she took a clerical job but found scholarship money available to help us attend college.

I was the youngest and had good grades in math and science. She told me I was going to Clarkson. I didn’t know what or where Clarkson was, but she apparently did.

This ended up to be a great choice for me. I had a successful career and personal life.

Based on the following, unbeknownst to me, I ended up being a roll model. 6 more family have or are now attending Clarkson. Two start this fall.

Tony’s involvement with my son, Mike, got the ball rolling, however. Mike was lost with respect to selecting a college. We visited several but nothing clicked. I finally asked him what he really liked in high school. Once he told me math and science I mentioned engineering and asked if he wanted to consider Clarkson.

Through a Clarkson friend, we met with Tony, Dean of Engineering at that time. But it was when Tony met with Mike alone that His decision was made. On the way home from that visit, Mike told me he wanted to go to Clarkson.

A cousin joined him his freshman year and later 4 others have followed.

Tony, thank you for meeting with Mike. Because of you, my family continues on a path of both professional and personal success.

Bob Storms ‘74

Thank you

Da Yang ’22

Dear president Collins,

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to chase my dream at Clarkson University in Spring 2016. This six and a half year turns out to be a life changing experience.

I just graduated with my Ph.D. degree in May and I am very fortunate that I graduated while you are still my president. I remember vividly when I was a TA and you switched the role with a student from my FLUENT lab course and how sincerely you participated in the class. I also remember vividly how you fight against all the social issues, and comfort and encourage everyone during the pandemic. I am deeply grateful and honored to have you as my president and thank you so much for all your help and support.

Wish you all the best in the future.

Sincerely

Da Yang

An Honor and a Pleasure

Dusty Rhodes ’78

Kind, understanding, generous, hard working, dedicated, honest, bold, considerate, innovative, enthusiastic, wise and diplomatic are just a few of the words I would use to describe you Tony. You have fundamentally changed Clarkson University for the better. I have been involved with the university for almost 50 years and can honestly say that you made a huge impact on the school, the students, the alumni, the faculty & staff, the town of Potsdam and the state of NY. I have been actively engaged with Clarkson in many forms for the last 20 years including the Parents Committee, the Business Leadership Council, The Alumni Council and as a recruiter for IBM. I would attribute much of that continued engagement to you and your leadership style. It has been an honor and a pleasure to be part of the Clarkson journey which you have so dynamically lead. And I don’t want to leave out Karen. I know she has been your equal partner in that journey and has been instrumental in support you and the university throughout your tenure. Thank you for all that the both of you have done and may you enjoy life after Clarkson to its fullest!

Favorite Professor

Jan (Van Deusen) Inguagiato ’96

Professor Collins – I had you my senior year for Water/Wastewater Management – not an easy class. In all my time at Clarkson, you were the best professor I had, a good (hard) and clear instructor who always seemed to genuinely care that we learned what you were teaching. In 4 years I never worked, or was as proud of, as the A I got in your class. Congratulations on your retirement and best wishes to you and your family. Thank you for all your years of service!

An Unforgettable College Experience

Rachel Simons ’12

Dear Tony and Karen,

I want to thank you for a college experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. I played Volleyball all 4 years that I was at Clarkson and more times than I can count on my fingers and toes I saw you both in attendance at our home games. At the time I remember feeling so lucky to have you there and looking back I think I appreciate more now just how special that was. In addition, getting invited to your home for dinner on multiple occasions was such a highlight and always a wonderful time. The icing on top of my Clarkson experience was on graduation day, the Volleyball graduating class got a shoutout from Tony! It was a complete surprise and something my friends and family still talk about to this day. Thank you Tony and Karen again for everything and wishing you all the best!

Thank you!

Rachel Simons – Clarkson Alumnae ’12

Tony and Karen – All Things To All People

Bob Mann ’69

This message is for Tony and Karen!

We first met when my wife (JoAnne) and I visited Clarkson in the late 1990s until about 2005 recruiting for engineers for Exxon and then Exxon Mobil Corporation. The four of us seemed to gravitate to each other in a very natural way. We were so happy to assist in supporting you in your successful bid to be President of Clarkson!

Thank you both so much for all your energy and openness in successfully filling the role of President and First Lady! You both were always willing to take the time necessary to help those at Clarkson that needed some help or guidance! You and Karen were always fun to be around. If there was a live microphone nearby and a large group of people present, it was a sure bet you, Tony, would make good use of the mic!!

I was especially moved this past Christmas when I received a selfie of you and Karen celebrating the Holidays with your Christmas Tree in the background! You had just uncorked a bottle of Mom, white wine from Narmada Winery, which I passed along earlier last year. You and Karen were toasting JoAnne (now passed) and me! That was very kind!

I wish you both much happiness and joy in your retirement and hope that one day you will be interested in visiting Northern Virginia and spending a few days with me. I’ve got a great view of the Shenandoah National Park from my home. There are great restaurants in the area as well as great wineries. And the Park is just a short drive away.

All the very best in this next phase of your lives.

Bob Mann ’69 CE