Category: Farewell President Collins

For support

For support

Nicholas Theurich ’23

Thank you Tony for supporting Clarkson University Rocketry Club when it seemed like no one else would.

You are amazing

You are amazing

Jide Oyerinde ‘6

You make people feel very comfortable with you. The day I saw you honoring the launching of a new student club with your presence, you won my heart completely. Though I have not had reasons to meet you, every time I see you, I see in you a notable role model for the Clarkson community, even when you are long gone. 

Thank you President Collins for choosing to serve and lead us! Your good works remain with us.

-Grad student

Thanks, TC!

Thanks, TC!

Melissa Lindell ‘

Tony,

It has been an honor to have my office located right next to yours for the past five years! Thanks for guiding me when I was new in my role, and for being patient when I began drafting quotes for you. I will miss you stopping by and looking for a little afternoon snack from my treat bowl! 🙂 And I will miss saying “Hi TC!” And hearing back “Hi Mel!” as you walk past. Thank you for proving that true leaders know everyone’s name and are kind to each one of us. You will be missed!

What a great ride it’s been!

What a great ride it’s been!

Lorraine Harper ‘

Hi Tony and Karen,

What a great ride it’s been! I wish you and your family all the best. Please take it easy and enjoy slowing down, you deserve to sit back and relax! I’ll miss seeing your friendly smiles on campus. HUGS to both of you! 

Kiss and Beans

Kiss and Beans

Elizabeth Fessenden ’77

Tony and Karen,

There are so many memories…..I’ll pick just two.

The Search Committee conducted interviews with candidates off Wolf Rd in Albany.  I was positioned such that I could see Tony drive up to the front of the hotel, hop out of the driver’s seat as Karen exited the passenger seat.  As Karen got in the driver’s seat the two of you kissed.  I consider this a very sweet beginning to your joint leadership of Clarkson.  

Being able to find a time for the two of you to visit with me and Ken at Lake Titus….and to have conversation in that relaxed setting, was great.  I wish it could have happened more often.  I do recall what a kick I got out of Tony eating and pondering as to what he was eating.  It was black, it was tasty and he thought it might be mashed black beans.  (It was forbidden rice.)  

Wishing you a long, happy, healthy post-CU time of your lives.

warm regards,

Liz

Thank you Mr. President!

Thank you Mr. President!

Sri Siva Rama Krishna Hanup Vegi ‘

Tony,

Thank you for all the vision you had throughout your tenure that paved an everlasting impression be it infrastructure, curriculum, people. A better idea may pop up in future but all that matters is the effort that went in to give rise to and execute it.

I admire your efforts and passion for your responsibility.

I wish your health and happiness in more years to come. 

Sincerely,

Grad Student and recipient of last Clarkson degree awarded by Tony as President (May 2022 commencement) 🙂

Many Thanks

Many Thanks

Jackson Foster ‘-81

Dear President Collins:  Congratulations on your upcoming retirement.  I wish you and your wife many happy years of good health as you begin the next chapter of your lives.  You provided exceptional service to Clarkson through your years of service.  I was so proud of your videos to us addressing the numerous challenges we face in everyday life.  You showed that you really cared to help make our lives better and that we could overcome the problems that we faced.  To you a job well done.  Sincerely,  Jackson S. Foster

Thank you

Thank you

Brian Helenbrook ‘

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all that you and Karen did for the students.  I am thinking in particular of the MAE student who was in Iraq and ended up needing emergency heart surgery in a hospital in Syracuse. (Chris U…  ?).  In any case, you guys visited him in the hospital and he eventually got back to Clarkson and finished his degree.   The care you showed played a big part in his will to finish his degree.

Parent of a triple legacy and Alum!!

Parent of a triple legacy and Alum!!

Michelle Mattick ’89

Tony, thanks for all you’ve done for the University! It’s grown so much since we graduated in ‘89, and your leadership so appreciated as I saw the evolution as a parent! We’ll miss you both!!! Cheers!!! ❤️

Thank you

Thank you

Peter Ricciardi ’64

Thank you for the tireless effort you have contributed to the benefit of Clarkson`s past, present and future.