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

• Farewell President Collins

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) 🙂

• Farewell President Collins

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

• Farewell President Collins

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.

• Farewell President Collins

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!!! ❤️

• Farewell President Collins

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. 

• Farewell President Collins

Yankee game memories

Yankee game memories

Lisa Napolione ’87

What a wonderful evening to celebrate you Tony!!

with so much gratitude, Lisa

• Farewell President Collins

Great Reign

Great Reign

Lawrence Kingsley ’85

Tony (and Karen),

You leave Clarkson a far better place because of you both.  Many memories from fun evenings spent together in Potsdam and a few on the river.  Your imprint will be indelible and your reputation very long lasting.  The Clarkson community will miss your enthusiastic and inviting style, your global perspective and endurance to succeed among many other very positive qualities.

• Farewell President Collins

C-o-l-l-I-n-s spells relief

C-o-l-l-I-n-s spells relief

Karen Spierdowis ‘

Dear President Collins,

sending my daughter off for the first time during a pandemic spelled panic. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated all of your announcements and talks throughout the years. I always felt comfortable with my daughter at Clarkson, knowing you were steering the ship. Thank you for your constant support and care for all your Clarkson students and parents!

The Spierdowis Family 

• Farewell President Collins

All the very best

All the very best

Doug Dahler ’74

Tony and Karen: Thanks for all you have done for Clarkson. Enjoy your retirement!!  Doug 74 and Roberta Dahler

• Farewell President Collins