Farewell President Collins Archives - Page 8 of 23

Thank You & Best Wishes!

Patricia Deshane ’02

To Tony and Karen:

Thank you for all of your years of dedication and service to Clarkson and the Potsdam area! Best wishes to you in the future!

Todd & Patty Deshane

A huge thank you

Raeleen Willard ‘

President and Mrs. Collins,

We cannot thank you enough for your dedication to Clarkson and making it an international hub for engineering. You have provided top notch education during unprecedented times while keeping safety and health in the forefront the entire time. As a parent of an upcoming Clarkson senior, it saddens me that you won’t be President this next year yet I realize all you have given these students. As a freshman, my sons floor (Reynolds) won all the swag and a dinner at your house. He has great memories of you. We are so thankful for your genuine love and enjoyment of the many clubs/activities/trips he has taken part in. Our hearts are full as our son has taken a paid internship at Sabic industries this summer that was made possible thanks to Clarkson. It has been a pleasure watching our son grow and expand his horizons.

All the best in your next adventures.

Andrew and Raeleen Willard

Australia is home because of you

Courtney Green ’12

Thank you two for your support and encouragement over my 4 years at Clarkson. Australia would not be home if you hadn’t encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone and do a study abroad. I’ve message you to keep you posted because in reflecting I’ve realise the small words and actions that helped me to get here and I cannot thank you enough. I hope the next chapter brings you joy, happiness and sunshine, hopefully home in Australia. All the best and maybe I will see you around! ?

Cheers

Congratulations

Howard Withey ’69

Tony, my wife and I met you at my 50 year reunion, Class of 1969. We spent some time with you and your wife at your campus home along with several other friends also attending the reunion. We all thank you very much for what you’ve accomplished at Clarkson. Things were very different when we graduated in 1969. Your accomplishments and improvements to the campus and the college are incredible. However, what I learned from our 50 year reunion is what you have made Clarkson — a great and appealing university. Thank you for talking with us at your home. I wish you the very best in your future endeavors.

Tribute to Paula Cutler Relyea (’85)

Ruth Hartcorn ’85

Paula Cutler Relyea (’85) so wished to see her son, Sean Relyea, graduate before she lost her battle with cancer. Sadly, her dream was not to be. But when Sean did graduate, President Collins was so gracious as to make a graveside visit that day, in full regalia, with Sean and his father David Relyea (’87 or ’88), as a way to honor Paula’s wish. Incredible, simply incredible. THANK YOU!

Thanks Is Not Enough

Kevin Cunningham ’90

Tony and Karen,

Those 3 words by themselves have had so much impact on Clarkson.

First, Tony, unlike your predecessors you introduced yourself as Tony and not President Collins. This created an approachability unseen in my years at Clarkson. I watched several graduations and the personal connection you made with so many undergraduates because of that simple gesture was impressive. It seemed like you knew each person graduating. You were a person, who also happened to be President, and were one of us. This approach elevated your status as President. People actually knew and understood the impact you were making. You were someone who had significant influence and power but who wielded that power for good because you cared about the individuals.

You didn’t do it alone. You brought along a perfect partner with Karen. Karen, the connections you had with all of us elevated the office of the President to an even higher level of engagement. You were as much a part of it all as Tony. Like peanut butter and jelly, it just doesn’t work without both.

You two will never truly understand the impact you have had to not only the institution but the thousands of lives you have changed as a result of your leadership. So thank you is not enough. You will be fondly remembered for many years to come.

I wish you both the best in the next chapter. However, I hope that chapter also includes a lot of visits to Clarkson, especially for reunions, since you are also both Clarkson alumnus. Now you can just come and have fun instead of all that work that comes with President. 🙂

Forever grateful,

Kevin Cunningham ‘90

Delta Upsilon

John Baummer ’24

To a leader, educator, and President,

Your time at Clarkson will not be forgotten. As the newest president of the Clarkson Chapter of Delta Upsilon, I can not help but saddened by your departure. In years past, many great fraternal presidents have looked up to you for guidance and support, and with your departure I will unfortunately not be one of them. However, I am extremely thankful that a man like yourself has been so dedicated to the chapter and committed to its success. You have exceeded all expectations of an honorary brother and have established a path for my presidency that can only lead to success.

For all you have done, Thank you.

Fraternally,

The John Baummer and the brothers of Delta Upsilon

Thank you

Russ Vitallo ’06

Hi President Collins,

I played basketball at Clarkson from 2002-2006. During my Senior year my Dad wrote you a letter about the difficult experience I had with the head coach back then. You wrote back to us a really nice handwritten letter with some great advice. I always appreciated that and never thanked you but am doing so now.

Best of luck and you’ll be missed at Clarkson.

Russ Vitallo 06′

Tony Collins – the Energizer Bunny of college presidents

Bill Cotter ’73

Tony, as I look back at the LONG list of the ways you improved the Clarkson experience it makes me tired just reading it. How you managed to do all that and stay so energetic and enthusiastic is amazing. All of us connected with Clarkson are better for having known you – and future students who may never meet you will benefit from your efforts for decades to come.

Goodbye from Greta!

Greta Kerwin ’23

Dear Tony & Karen Collins,

I wanted to thank you for all the support you’ve given me these past three years! I remember when I met the two of you in 2019. Back when I was still only considering Clarkson! I remember embarrassing myself in front of Nico Sturm trying to speak german and getting posted on the Clarkson official instagram (I felt famous)!

I really appreciate everything you two have done for the school and for the people that go here, it means so much to us.

I also wanted to thank you again for having my sorority over for dinner this past semester. I don’t think any of us will forget that (mainly because of the food!).

I hope you both have an amazing time in Philly!

Sincerely,

Greta Kerwin