Thank you Tony & Karen
“Goodbye”
“Goodbye”
Richard Simmons ’62
It is time to say “goodbye.” We have enjoyed our time with you and Karen while at Clarkson. Both you and Karen displayed caring, compassion, enthusiasm, willingness to be silly, openness to sharing and gracious hospitality which we enjoyed and very much appreciated. We value the time spent one-on-one time with us to share your vision for Clarkson. Enjoy this next phase of your lives. God’s blessing to both of you.
Dick and Donna Simmons (62)
Category:Thank You
Thank you
Jack & Noreen Levitt ’68
Dear Tony and Karen
We are so pleased to have been able to share time with you over the course of your Presidency. We knew the future of Tech was in good hands. Your leadership has validated that belief many times over. You have shown hard work and dedication, as well as lighthearted comradery. It is now time to enjoy the other things in life; family, travel, and relaxation. We hope you enjoy your retirement, and return to Potsdam occasionally.
Best Wishes and pictures to follow
Jack and Noreen Levitt
Category:Congratulations to the Best President a University Could Ask For
Congratulations to the Best President a University Could Ask For
Matthew Turcotte ’14
Tony & Karen,
You both have made Clarkson what it is today. You’ve impacted thousands
of lives for the better. You should feel so proud and have a feeling of tremendous accomplishment. It has been an honor
to get to know both of you. You’ve worked tirelessly to make Clarkson the best it can be and it has shown. Clarkson not only is a top-notch academic institution but one large family. You both have cultivated a culture of camaraderie that will last for generations.
There are so many memories and experiences that I look back on and smile. From all of the Reh Center Entrepreneurial Award Dinners, to events at the Foster House, when you both came to Clayton to come to my book signing event, when Tony and I were guest speakers in Marc Compeau’s small business class together, the dedication of the Business School to David Reh, and introducing the Governor for the State of the State Address, among others.
It was very special to me when you both visited my property on the River at the alumni event at the St. Lawrence Spirits Chateau, and of course, our first meeting in your office and asking you to “Make Me an Offer” and the creation of the Young Entrepreneur’s program.
You both leave huge shoes to fill. You’re both heroes and role models for myself and countless others.
My sincerest thank you and congratulations on your retirement.
Matt Turcotte ’14
(315) 771-7743
mst@northshoresolutions.com
P.S. If you ever find yourself back in Clayton, feel free to reach out. It would be great to catch up.
Category:Best of Luck and Congratulations!
Best of Luck and Congratulations!
Todd Travis ‘
I wanted to wish you and your family the best of luck! It’s been a pleasure serving with you at Clarkson over the last 30 plus years – and I’m more than happy to raise a pint of Fosters’ with you to wish you a very happy journey on to your next adventures! One of the highlights for me was definitely watching you present her diploma to my youngest daughter, Kelsey. From my family to yours – we’ll definitely miss you!
Category:Andrew Bluestein ’13
Andrew recently joined the Institute for Defense Analyses as a research staff member.
Category:A legacy of which to be proud!
A legacy of which to be proud!
Amy Villeneuve ’86
Dear Tony and Karen,
As you embark on your next big adventure, it is important to take a minute to reflect and take a measure of pride in the impact you have had over your decades at Clarkson. The most obvious is the direct impact on the Clarkson students, many of whom have been “first in the family” college graduates. I am certain that the education they received in a warm (albeit not climate-wise 🙂 and welcoming environment has had a positive and long lasting impact. Beyond the actual student, however, you have had a force multiplier effect on their parents and the families that they have built. When you think about the companies that these students have gone on to influence, lead and found as well as the communities that have benefited, it becomes immediately apparent that your impact has been enormous. You have much to take pride in.
I have always said that students that go to Clarkson are the salt of the earth. They are hardworking and grounded, smart and industrious, and people you just like to be around. I believe that is a direct reflection of you both, Tony and Karen.
I wish you all the best in your new journey… you have certainly earned it!
Amy (Taber) Villeneuve
Category:Congrats on your retirement!
Congrats on your retirement!
Michelle (Pregent) Wright ’89
Tony,
I have many fond memories of your classes, working in Rowley Labs, meeting your family over dinner and enjoyed your mentoring and advising. Clarkson has become such an amazing University under your time as President. I don’t know if you realize how many students you’ve impacted in a positive way over the years. Please relish that and be proud of it!! I hope you and Karen enjoy a wonderful retirement! You’ve earned it!
Michelle (Pregent) Wright, CEE ’89
Category:Thank you!
Thank you!
Kelsey Hamilton ’25
President Collins and Mrs. Collins– Thank you so much for all that you’ve done for Clarkson staff, Clarkson students, and the Potsdam community. I couldn’t have asked for a better first year!
Category:Thank You For Your Service and Support
Thank You For Your Service and Support
Tony Brancato ’88
Tony, you have easily been the most supportive and the most approachable Clarkson President I have known since I first arrived on campus in the summer of 1984. I am happy to have had the pleasure of knowing you on a personal level for many years.
Your leadership during the University’s most remarkable period of growth is well-documented. The physical changes to the Potsdam Hill campus in particular will provide many generations of Clarkson students with state of the art facilities they will need to become the leaders of the future.
But your personal connections with students, alumni and staff are what set you apart from your predecessors and leave a blueprint for all future Clarkson presidents to follow. You have set an excellent example of how to lead by serving and supporting others. I will always remember how you supported a handful of us Pep Band alumni as we navigated uncharted waters by starting the Clarkson University Pep Band Alumni Association and, subsequently, the CUPBAA Scholarship Fund to provide financial aid to future pep band members like ourselves. You and Karen attended so many of our fundraising and social events and provided financial and moral support that means so much more than you know. We certainly could not have succeeded without your help.
I want to thank you and Karen for so many years of friendship and support. I wish you well in whatever lies ahead for both of you. Let’s go TECH!!
Category: