Farewell President Collins Archives - Page 22 of 23

Thanks for your support of Men’s Rugby

Zach Milos ’10

Tony,

As a young 20 something, it was always so cool to see you show up to our games to watch and support us. We were just a group of guys looking to have some fun but seeing you there made me realize that it was more than just a club team; We were representing you, our university and the community. Doing little things like this is what made you a great leader and President of Clarkson.

Thank you!

Jackie Walters ’95

We will miss you, President Tony Collins and Karen! Thank you for your commitment, hard work, and vision in leading Clarkson!

Our dog

Karen Ensminger ’90

Hello! One of my fondest memories at Clarkson is of Carolyn Hudson & I running down the hall at Congdon to bear you to class. This was in the Fall 89 semester, prior to when emotion support animals were a thing. We just liked bringing him with us. We always arrived early so we could hide our dog in the back of class. Of course, one day we are running late. We get to the classroom door just as you are walking toward us. We panic. Luckily, you chuckle, pet the dog, then just pretend that this is par for the course. We head to the back of the classroom and the lesson begins as usual. Thanks for being so understanding. You were ahead of your time.

Let’s Go Canes

Bob Fennel ’72

Several years ago during a southern alumni tour, I contacted by Steve N, the alumni director, and offered to coordinate a tailgate and group hockey game for the Carolina Hurricanes vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets. With spouses, friend and children, there were about 45 folks at the tailgate, which included Steve, Tony Collins and his wife. We had a real southern barbecue tailgate with ‘all the fixings’. We actually got double the desserts as when the caterer delivered the food, just as he opened the tailgate on his SUV, the cherry cobbler fell on the back inside of the tailgate door then onto the parking lot. Fortunately their restaurant was across the street from the arena allowing him time to replace the cobbler as well as bring the typical barbecue dessert, banana pudding. Tony was in awe of the amount of total tailgates going on, and if I recall correctly, enjoying pork barbecue for the first time along with a delicious craft beer brought by an alumni from Greensboro who opened a brewery. Obviously excelled in both Chem 101 and weekend off campus studies. After the game, Erik Cole from the Canes and Grant Clitsome from the Blue Jackets, both Clarkson alum, were supposed to join us for an after game dessert in a private room. At the last minute Cole had a family obligation but Clitsome joined and obliged anyone for an autograph or pic. Tony was absolutely amazed how well everything went and according to Steve we accomplished something rarely done: left Tony speechless. His leadership at Clarkson was excellent, his support for sports, all sports at Clarkson was off the charts. When fellow ‘72 alum Dick ‘Raccoon’ Cianciotto mentioned the soccer locker room needed upgrading, Tony was not only 100% behind it, personally supported it. We all wish him well in retirement. Personally speaking, it’s awesome!

Thank you

Kacey Scheib ’20

Thank you President and Mrs. Collins. You’re commitment and dedication to the campus, and it’s students has not gone unnoticed. Thank you.

Best Wishes!

Lucas Edsall ’09

Tony and Karen,

Thank you both for all you’ve done to create a Clarkson that truly has a disparate impact on the world. You’ve taken us in just 20 years ago that was a small, respected technical university known for engineers, and grown it into an incredible beacon of innovation, equity, outreach, collaboration, and caring – not to mention all the amazing changes to the Collins Hill Campus!

Personal to me, thank you for your unwavering support of the Clarkson Pep Band, men’s and women’s hockey programs, and having the vision of Clarkson excelling academically and athletically.

You’ve truly created a culture that is unique, lasting, special and will serve Clarkson well no matter who the future leaders are. That’s the most amazing and critical achievement of any leader’s tenure and there are very few who have ever done it as well as you both have. Thank you for everything, and we will all miss you dearly.

Sincerely,

Luke Edsall, ’09

Dance Ensemble Support

Jodi Hayes ’19

We loved having you and Karen supporting us at every performance! It meant so much to us that you would always come to our performances no matter how little. Thank you Tony!

All Great Things

Cassia Chapman Suslik ’16

Hi Tony and Karen, it’s been a while, I suppose! Congratulations on a successful presidency, Tony-from my stint as Golden Knotes president, I know it’s not always a walk in the park! I always appreciated yours and Karen’s engagement on campus-whether it’s sending pizza over to the pep band during a women’s hockey game (let’s go tech!) and stopping by to say hello -which to a freshman felt like celebrities were present- to showing up to I’m pretty sure EVERY end of semester performance for the Knotes while I was there! You two were never unaccessable and I think that’s what makes great leadership and so many people have high regards for you both. Keep sharing kindness and I wish you both the best in the next endeavor.

Thank You!

Robert Brockway ’21

Thank you Tony and Karen for all that you’ve done for Clarkson University! Your countless contributions to both the Clarkson and Potsdam communities are much appreciated.

Thank you and very best wishes

David Schmidt ’93

Tony – Your vision, ceaseless energy, efforts, and enthusiasm have made such a profound and positive difference for Clarkson students, the campus, and entire community. Thank you for all you have done.