Farewell President Collins Archives - Page 17 of 23

President Collins

Joshua White ’14

Thank you so much for being a light on the campus when I was a student.

Life and Leadership Lessons from Prof. Collins

Life and leadership lessons from Prof. Collins

Niklas Vigener ’91

Professor Collins was a young professor in the late 80s and early 90s when I had him for Water and Wastewater. I was interested in structures and initially gave the class pretty short shrift. Not surprisingly I scored in the 50s on my first exam. Pretty embarrassing and Prof. Collins let me know it with good-natured ribbing and a big funny frown. I buckled down and scored in the 90s on the remaining exams. His energy and fun teaching made the class very accessible and I liked going and learning about the “Schmutzdecke” and “grungy water.” Who would have thought! When I ran into him at the end of the semester he said he had never seen a student come back from such a lousy first exam grade and do well in his class. I told him it was his infectious energy. During my career I often reflected back on how he motivated his students and tried to emulate him.

I came back this year with my son to tour Clarkson. We sat in the front row and Prof. Collins – I would never be able to call him Tony or even Mr. Collins – picked on us and called us out. It was great. I wore my ancient frayed Clarkson sweatshirt. My son loved it and realized there really is no other place he could ever go!

Best wishes

Stub Estey ’64

Tony,

You and Karen have made so many huge contributions to my alma mater, and I wanted you to know how much I always appreciated your going above and beyond what might have been expected of a university president. You always went “all in”.

I enjoyed getting to know you better when I returned to Clarkson for teaching, and as Executive Director of the Shipley Center. I recall fondly the time Nancy and I hosted you in our Potsdam home on Pleasant Street, along with Karen, and Bob and Cindy Campbell, when they were visiting Clarkson and Bob was being recruited for his future position as Trustee. That was a great reunion with my old fraternity brother Soupy– who later had been my office mate when he and I were fledgling Clarkson Instructors in 1966.

There have been so many other occasions when we were impressed with you and Karen over the years.

Our very best wishes to you as you move on.

Stub Estey ’64

All the Best

All the best

Jean-Marc Champagne ’95

Tony, you truly did an amazing job with Clarkson… always a good school academically but it had historically punched below its weight. You had an incredible vision. When I graduated, Clarkson was relatively unknown outside upstate NY. You helped change a lot of that. You brought long overdue recognition to the school. Thank you for that and for all of your hard work to make Clarkson a better and more recognized school with a global vision. I hope the next President can continue with your vision. Wishing all the best to you and your wife in your next venture in life. If you are ever in Hong Kong please look me up. It would be a pleasure to take you both around the city.

Your compassion

James McKay ’62

Dear President Tony Collins,

While you came to Clarkson well after I graduated in the class of ’62, I have followed your vigorous pursuit of excellence and growth for our institution, the faculty, staff, students, town of Potsdam and most of all, the best possible student experience available at a fine university. Your vision, commitment and compassion was always proudly on display.

At the 50th reunion for my class, I witnessed that compassion and 5 years later at another reunion, mentioned it to you. You remembered it then and it bears retelling the story, as it illustrates perfectly that compassion. While at the group photo event where you shook each reunion participants hand, I was next behind Dale Kenyon. Dale was an engineering graduate who happened to be a dwarf. When you saw him, you bent to one knee on the ground so you were looking at Dale directly face to face for the handshake, and your exchange of words with him. That action speaks volumes for your compassion and consideration of all people. Clarkson is so much richer with your daily leadership examples. You have set a very high bar for all Presidents who follow you.

Sincere Best Wishes for you and Karen’s Golden Years retirement,

Jim McKay ’62

A Legacy That Will Live On ~

Rajiv Narula ’11

Dear President Collins,
You were my President at Clarkson when I joined in 2005. I had never traveled on a plane before when I came from India that year to join the PhD program in Env. Engineering at Clarkson. I was a little nervous. Surprisingly, I met you on my first day at campus, on a walk, not knowing who you were. But your kindness, genuine concern for students, smile, and a warm handshake assured me that I was at the right place and all would be well. And, it was. Your vision, dedication, and leadership made Clarkson simply the best place for me to get my higher education. When time came for me to get a job, you left no stone unturned to make sure I had the best recommendations from you and from the University. Many a time, I remember walking with you through campus and around and having some of the best conversations in my life. You have always been like a father figure to me. Your calling me “the unofficial Mayor of Potsdam and Canton” at my graduation in 2011 touched my heart. I am so hoping our paths cross many more times in life. I wish you the best of health, and happiness in your life.
Dear Karen,
Thank you so much for your hospitality and your kindness every time you hosted us. I witnessed your vision and generosity when I worked with you at the Board of NCCM and other organizations. You are an inspiration.
Best of everything to you.
~ Rajiv (Class of 2011)

Future

Skip Lewis ’66

Looking foreword to you visits to the Bahamas, I am sure you won’t have to push the boat.

You have done so much good for Clarkson that leaving must be hard, but you will always have your tremendous accomplishments to think back on. All the best, Skip and Barbara

A fond farewell

Jim Kuhn ’94

Thank you for leading such a well respected university that provided me the opportunity to have a very fulfilling career in engineering and management.

Aside from the fantastic times spent on campus, I am very fond of the events hosted by President Collins at the Saratoga Race Track for many summers. It was a get opportunity to catch up with him and Karen in a casual and exciting setting along with several alumni.

Congratulation on leaving Clarkson in an even better position than when you started and best wishes to you and Karen in your retirement years.

Thank you,

Jim Kuhn ’94

Thank You for bringing Clarkson to a higher level.

Paul Dudden ’67

First as a greatly respected environmental prof, then as Department Chairman and then on to our most successful President , I wish you All The Best in your retirement. Thank You for all you’ve done for your students, for the University, and for your affiliated business partners.

Thank you for all the little things

Chaz Adams ’07

I have two big memories that stand out with Tony and Karen. First is that they were willing to donate to fundraising efforts I have conducted in recent years for cancer research, I am not sure I know anyone else who has gotten the president of their university to donate to such a campaign. The second was at a Knights Round Table talk in Boston, it was the first Clarkson event I brought my now wife to and Karen and her immediately hit it off with Karen offering up career advice. We with you both all the best and will miss your energy at events!