The People’s President
The People’s President
Devin Perkins ’10
Words cannot describe the impact you have both had on the Clarkson community. I will always remember just how present you both were in all aspects of life at Clarkson. It was never out of the ordinary to see you around campus, and it was always a happy thing. I don’t think in my 4 years you ever missed a hockey game, but also so many other events. Leading Clarkson wasn’t just your job, it looked like it was your life. I graduated in December 2010, but came back to campus in May 2011 for commencement, when I walked across the stage you handed me my diploma, gave me a hug and said “Welcome back, it is so good to see you again”. It really touched me that your remembered me and took that moment to acknowledge it. I hope to see you on campus again someday and return the gesture!
Lets Go Tech!
Category:Well Wishes
Well Wishes
Joseph (Joe) Pulicare ’78
Congratulations Tony on an outstanding career. I want to thank you for your years of dedication to Clarkson and it’s students, always putting them and the University first. Good luck to you and Karen going forward in everything you do.
Joe
Category:ENJOY your Retirement!
ENJOY your Retirement!
Tess Casler ‘
Tony – many thanks for the memories.
Don’t forget to stop by ‘Therapy Thursday’ if you are ever in town…we can always zoom you in! LOL
Wishing you and Karen all the BEST in Retirement!
Tess
Category:Best Wishes!
Best Wishes!
Martha Whalen ‘
Best wishes for the future – enjoy!
Category:Many thanks, Tony!
Many thanks, Tony!
John Milne ‘
Many thanks, Tony, for your outstanding support to me these past 12 years and for leading all of us at the university!
During my on-site job interview visit in December 2009, you gave me the helpful advice that you typically took domestic plane flights from Syracuse and international flights from Montreal. Although I was initially surprised that you (as university president!) would attend a job interview reception, later I learned that you attend virtually every event possible and miss any of them only due to simultaneous events. Whether a hockey game, basketball game, reception of the smallest group, or university presentations, your omnipresence has been appreciated.
It was so kind for you to send me Thank You cards over matters as small as me helping one student with one issue, whereas it would have been more appropriate for me to send you Thank You cards over major matters in which you have helped me. You kindly stopped by my office intermittently to provide an encouraging word. One time, you said that at a meeting in Florida, some alum(s) had made favorable comments about me. Another time, you mentioned the continued generosity of Neil and Karen Bonke. Speaking of which, it was so good to work with you on strengthening that relationship and your wife Karen’s kind words to me after Neil and I spoke at the E2E alumni event about a decade ago. Speaking of which, Neil wrote to me last month that:
“Tony and Karen Collins visited us on their recent West Coast swing… We thought that they would be in the “lame duck” mode but Tony was still very animated about Clarkson future projects. I think he will “ work” his job until his very last day in office!”
I am so glad, Tony, that you stuck with us long enough to lead us through the pandemic. So often I would read about other universities not handling the pandemic nearly as well as you did. As my wife and I are in the covid-19 “high risk” category, I especially appreciate your support in us remaining safe.
One of my final (and fond) memories was a few months ago when you passed me in the hallways while you were talking with someone else. Due to teaching remotely followed by my sabbatical, it had been nearly two years since you had seen me in person. Though you could see only the top portion of my masked face, you instantly recognized me and said, “Hi, John,” as if we had chatted the prior day.
Many thanks, Tony, for helping me so often, for always making me feel welcome, for caring about me, for inspiring me, and for making Clarkson such a fantastic place. Saying you will be missed, Tony, is an understatement. I am so lucky you were here at Clarkson.
Category:Wish you all the best
Wish you all the best
Dan Nieser ’86
Dr. Collins – I wish you and Karen all the best. We both arrived in 1982 and you were my advisor. I so appreciated your time, coaching, and kindness. After my sophomore year year you helped partner me with a graduate student for a summer internship that was an invaluable experience. Thank you for all you’ve done for me and the University. Your legacy will endure for generations to come!
Best Regards,
Dan Nieser
Category:The very best retirement wishes and a big thank you!
The very best retirement wishes and a big thank you!
Mario Wriedt ‘
Dear Tony,
I still very much remember the welcome dinner with you and Karen when I joined the Clarkson Family in 2013. What a great evening. Many more dinners at your house followed which I have always enjoyed. You have been always an inspiration in any regard. Clarkson is what is because of you. I am very proud to be part of this family. Thank you very much for all your support over the years. I wish you and Karen all the best for your next journey. I am sure this will include lots of travelling and spending quality time with family. Take care Dr. Collins!
Best, Mario & Anja Wriedt
Category:No colored mulch
No colored mulch
Alex French ‘
I fondly remember being in President Collins’ office toward the end of my graduate degree program. I told him that as a former landscaper I did not like colored mulch and putting all of those paints on the ground. I requested just a natural mulch for the campus. President Collins stepped over to his desk, called Karen, and said, “I have Alex French in my office and he says no more dyed mulch, what do you think?” I love how Tony and Karen are such a strong team! I hope you both enjoy the next chapter with your family.
Category:Accepted Students Day: Impersonating Tony
Accepted Students Day: Impersonating Tony
Angelina Spielman ’24
I still can’t believe you called me up on stage to perform my (quite accurate if I do say so myself) impersonation of your weekly covid videos! We will miss you and “the office.” Just remember, when in doubt, find a good hockey analogy! #DoNotLetCovidGetTheWinOverUs
Category:Best of luck in your next life chapter
Best of luck in your next life chapter
Edward Murphy ’65
Thank you for your service to Clarkson and your help in maintaining the fraternity system at Clarkson, especially your help in allowing the reinstatement of Sigma Delta, it was/is an important part of my Clarkson experience! Again GOOD LUCK in your next life endeavor—Ed Murphy “65
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