Farewell President Collins Archives - Page 18 of 23

President Collins & Mrs. Collins at Clarkson Events

Marjorie Meashaw ‘

President Collins & Mrs. Collins,

The dedication and commitment that you both have shown to
Clarkson University is unparalleled. Your willingness to attend as many student
events as humanly possible did not go unnoticed. Not only did our students,
staff and faculty notice, so did visitors to our campus. I had a family tell me
that the number one reason their grandson came to Clarkson was because
President Collins was so visible.

Not seeing “Tony and Karen” at University events will be
hard and you both will be truly missed.

I wish you both health and happiness as you
start the next chapter in your lives.

Marjorie Meashaw ’14

Tony – a most friendly representative from Clarkson

Denis Jones ’64

Tony was a continuous strong supporter of Clarkson Lambda/DUs. Many years ago, I remember first
meeting Tony at a Lambda/DU reunion in Florida – there was this ‘stranger’ sitting poolside mid-day and having a beer with a few oldie DUs – and the ‘stranger’ turned out
to be Tony! Imagine – a Clarkson President making the time to get to know the
grads! Clarkson was so blessed to have a leader that put so much effort into
the students/alumni. We were lucky to get to know him.

Tony and Karen – congrats on the retirement from Clarkson, and stay safe. Denis Jones ’64

Not to be forgotten

Hank Okraski ’58

Tony, you and the First Lady, Karen, have brought the Clarkson family leadership, reputation and progress, and you touched our hearts with your kindness. We wish you “Fair Winds and Following Seas” in your next adventure! Cheers, Hank & Judy

Enjoy the ride!

Don Nims ’81

I am grateful to say that when ever we met you remembered my family’s connection to lacrosse. My hunch is that quality was shared with many Alumni, which for me made for a genuine connection. Thank you and good luck! Go tech!

Appreciative of Your Warmth and Consideration

Chuck DeFazio ’69

Dear President Collins,

We only saw each other a handful of times over your tenure at Tech, but, after we were introduced the first time, you always went out of your way to stop and say hello and make me feel welcome. The culmination was at the 50-year reunion for my Class when they had that trivia quiz and there was a question concerning the Ice Carnival theme that year, and, once you learned that I had been the King you went out of your way to get me involved and let me answer the question in front of all attendees. I truly appreciated that.

I hope to see you if you ever get down to the Southwest Florida area.

Thanks again and best of luck in retirement.

Sincerely,

Chuck DeFazio ’69

Thanks for the Memories

Joe Drago ’63

It was always a pleasure to return to Clarkson and to have the opportunity to be a guest with Tony and Karen at Foster House. The way we were welcomed and to feel being a big part of the family was something I never expected. What a feeling meeting alumnae, faculty, friends and other guests certainly made each visit special.

My favorite memory is the personal telephone call from Tony. Answering and hearing ” hello Joe it’s Tony Collins ” left me stunned for a bit. I had kept in touch with both hockey programs so I thought it must be a hockey related call. When he informed me that I was to receive an Honorary Doctorate at the next Convocation I immediately asked if he was joking. He laughed. That had to be a most special feeling and it will be cherished forever. The Convocation was wonderful and so meaningful for my daughter’s as this was their first visit to Clarkson and to meet Tony and Karen.

I want to thank Tony for how he has helped Clarkson be what it is today and for making me feel proud and honored to be a part of the family.. His dedication, commitment, leadership and passion has put us on the map. They often say everyone can be replaced but I have been a solid believer that some people CANNOT be.

I send best wishes to Tony and Karen in their new life of retirement.

Thank You

Schuyler Meyer ’19

Thank you for all that you have done!

(Photo from 2019 Commencement)

“I will have you teach the catering staff how to cook your home country rice and beans”

Joanina Gicobi ‘015

I had showed up for my monthly meeting with President Collins and he wanted to know how I was settling in and whether I liked the American food. As a 19 year-old Kenyan dealing with some cold (this was September and I thought it was cold!) and culture shock, I told him “I am having a hard time getting used to the American food.” He asked me, “what is your favorite Kenyan food?” I said, “rice and beans”. He then said “I will have you teach the catering staff how to cook rice and beans and you can just call them an hour before dinner time and they will make this for you.” We then walked to then “Rubro” cafeteria where I showed them and wrote a recipe on how to make the Kenyan rice and beans. This is how I survived fall 2011 at Clarkson as a freshman. With time I got to like the food here but I could not have had a smooth transition without Pres. Collins intervention. He truly cared for me.

I do with you and Karen all the best.

Joanina.

Thank you

Meghan MacLean ’06

Dear Tony and Karen Collins,

Thank you so much for not only your support for me as a student while I was at Clarkson, but also thank you so much for your friendship with and unending kindness toward my grandparents, Ron and Doris Frazer. They always spoke of you so fondly and loved seeing you at hockey games!

Wishing you well and many adventures in your retirement.

Best,

Meg Graham MacLean

Thanks for all you have done

Tim LaLonde ’78

Tony & Karen-

There are so many highlights of your tenure at Clarkson so I won’t attempt to summarize. As a former alumni association leader, I enjoyed being the President in the exciting beginning of your Presidency and appreciated your support for our intiatives. As a parent, I still have the hand written notes you both included on a Christmas letter with regard to our son Tim. It seems like just a few years ago when we stood with the Trustees on the cleared land that soon became Foster House.

Thank you for all that you both have done for Clarkson. Mary and I wish you and your family good health and all the best in your next chapter.