Farewell President Collins Archives - Page 16 of 23

Appreciation

Paul Cooper ’64

I have very much appreciated your support for the Fraternities and Sororities on the Clarkson campus. Your leadership and visibility within the student body was refreshing and wonderful. It is obvious that Karen and you love the University environment and love encouraging students to achieve their very best. You both are a “legend” within the Clarkson community.

Great Memories with President Collins

Andy Loiacano ’80

Dear Tony,

You have been such a great leader and mentor at Clarkson for so many years. The way that you have cared for all students and friends has been tremendous and inspiring. Brenda and I will always cherish the times that we were able to see you and Karen. I hope that we can get together again sometime and wishing you both much happiness and good health in your new home area. All the best Tony and thanks so very much for everything that you have contributed to Clarkson.

Andy and Brenda Loiacano

An extraordinary memory among so many

Robert Campbell ’61

Dear Tony and Karen,

The most extraordinary memory was standing next to the two of you in Minneapolis at the moment the Women’s Hockey Team beat Colgate in OT to win their third NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Championship. Best, Soup

Congratulations on a remarkable career

Gary Page ’69

In 2019 I attended my fiftieth reunion and, as part of the festivities, there was to be a dessert reception on the lawn of Foster House. Rain intervened and the reception was moved into the house. I (along with a number of my classmates) were greatly enjoying the hospitality and our conversation with Tony and were very much the last to leave as Karen had to gently remind us all that it was getting late. We greatly enjoyed the opportunity for such an intimate interaction and very much appreciated the extra bit of hospitality.

I think it must be quite unusual for someone to spend their whole career at one institution, rising through the academic ranks to the top levels and staying there for such a long period of time. I came to Clarkson in 1965 and was there until early 1973 thus missing all of your time at Clarkson. In the intervening years, many presidents have come and gone but I suspect your tenure will be recognized as one of the great ones.

I congratulate you and your wonderful partner Karen on a remarkable career.

Family gratitude

Stephen Clarridge ’68

Five members of my family have had close connections with Clarkson. Four are alumni, one of whom had lifetime employment after graduation as a faculty member. A fifth was the janitor at Old Main for 22 years. On behalf of all of us I thank you for your contributions at every level. You are truly a Workman Who Needeth Not To Be Ashamed. I also recognize that you did not accomplish this in a vacuum. You were surrounded by good people who followed your direction. Not the least of your ensemble cast was Mrs. Collins without whose support you may not have been less effective. May the next chapter of your lives be as challenging and fruitful. Karen, those moving boxes you finally discarded would come in handy now!

May God bless!

You will be missed admirably

Farley Postgate ’05

You became president when I was in Grad School I think. You were always very encouraging, I met you several times. Thanks for the tenure! I have a lot of respect for people who can hold a position of leadership for a long time. We don’t get that in industry too often.

-Farley

First Impressions

Mary Szypajlo ’93

You were the first faculty member my Mom and I met when I came to Clarkson to see if I wanted to attend. You were part of the reason I attended. Then you became my advisor and favorite professor. Thank you for everything you did for me as a student and for al you did for Clarkson. Best wishes to you on a well deserved retirement!

Special People

Richard March ’50

I graduated from Clarkson long before Tony became President, but I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him and Karen over the years. They are both kind and thoughtful people, special in every way. He invariably came to Sarasota to see me and others whenever on a trip to Florida. On occasion, my wife and I hosted them and other alumni at the party room in our condo building and always had a great time with them. I believe Tony to be a unique person and the right one to lead Clarkson into the 21st Century. He had a vision for the University and worked diligently to fulfill it. I am always astonished by the many activities and initiatives in which he has been involved. Clarkson is very fortunate to have had him as a leader these many years. I can only wish Tony and Karen well for the future and a fulfilling retirement that is well deserved. I will miss them both.

Thank You and Best Wishes!

Thank you — and best wishes!

Joelle Maurer ’88

Tony & Karen — Words escape me as how to explain the impact you have had on the Clarkson Community. The enthusiasm you had when you took on this role and have maintained is leaving insanely large shoes to fill. You were both willing to do whatever it took to get Clarkson on a larger map, in more discussions, with more grant money / research projects and worldwide recognition. You will be both be very missed but I wish you all the best on this new chapter. I hope you take this tine to enjoy the family, the flora and the fun you have earned. Thank you —

You always made us feel so welcomed

Peter LaDuca ‘

As an alumni and a parent of 2 boys that went to Clarkson, when we would meet Karen and yourself at various Clarkson events… you always made us feel so very welcomed. I remember your enthusiastic response when we introduced ourselves as parents of a Clarkson student and how you just burst with excitement exclaiming “your son has made such a good choice”. Thank you for making it fun for the students attending Clarkson!