Best Wishes!

Written by Martha Whalen - June 22, 2022

Best Wishes!

Martha Whalen ‘

Best wishes for the future – enjoy!

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Many thanks, Tony!

Written by John Milne - June 22, 2022

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.

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Wish you all the best

Written by Dan Nieser '86 - June 20, 2022

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

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The very best retirement wishes and a big thank you!

Written by Mario & Anja Wriedt - June 20, 2022

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

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No colored mulch

Written by Alex French - June 20, 2022

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. 

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Accepted Students Day: Impersonating Tony

Written by Angelina Spielman '24 - June 20, 2022

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

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Best of luck in your next life chapter

Written by Edward Murphy '65 - June 20, 2022

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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nice job

Written by FRANK ROMANO '58 - June 17, 2022

nice job

FRANK ROMANO ’58

Nice job from a old graduate 

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A. George Davis Memorial Service

Written by Erica Richards - June 17, 2022

A memorial service for former Clarkson University Professor, A. George Davis who passed away in February 2021, will be held on Friday, July 15th at 3:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church on Elm Street in Potsdam, NY.

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Appreciation

Written by Ian Lang '04 - June 17, 2022

Appreciation

Ian Lang ’04

I, Ian Lang..appreciate how, you welcomed me, into the community..

I had no clue, what college..would be like..since, prominent ivy league opponents..were heavily recruiting me.

And, thanks for inviting me, to watch hockey games..from, your perspective.

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