Farewell Tony and Karen. I wish you and your family the very best.

Farewell Tony and Karen. I wish you and your family the very best.

Catherine Avadikian ’97

June 15, 2022

Tony,

You were by far, the longest CU President that I have had
the pleasure of working with during my tenure at Clarkson; and there have been
five!   Having said that, working with
you began long before you became President. 

I remember very well one of our first meetings, which goes
back to when I was the advisor for the E&M Program, an undergraduate
student, and was working on a Student Advising Handbook.  I believe you were VP Academic Affairs, and I
decided I wanted to get your thoughts about the idea/development of an advising
handbook, which at the time, were non-existent on college campuses.  Immediately, your reaction was supportive. You
offered a great deal of feedback and encouragement to continue working on it
and told me, “you must make it an electronic version, hard copy was good, but
an electronic handbook would be better”  You
were extremely supportive and this is when I knew you also valued the importance
of academic advising, for which I discovered a strong passion.

Shortly after, I was making a career change and that was
when you shared with me the increase in the number of applications for
undecided students and made me Director of University Studies, also advising Engr.
and Science Studies students, reporting directly to you.  Once you became President and I could no longer
report to you, you made me Director of First-Year Advising with University
Studies. That same year, I completed my Master’s degree.  You congratulated me by ordering my regalia, which
I still proudly wear today.

This year, as you retire, I will celebrate my twenty-five
year as a Clarkson alumni and forty-five years as a Clarkson
employee.  Much of this time was while
you were at the University as well and in one way or another our paths always
seemed to cross.  I will always remember
my time as the advisor to Phalanx and the wonderful dinners/support you and
Karen provided so graciously and the ceremonies I was actively involved with. 

Of course, I will remember and hold dear the hundreds/most
likely thousands of students and families you sent my way during our time
together. 

You and Karen are truly amazing people.  The way you handle yourselves day-to-day while
juggling the unsurmountable load of responsibilities, even during a pandemic,
was incredible. 

Tony, during the good and bad years, it was your attitude,
support and determination that kept me forging ahead as well.  Most importantly, I will always remember the
day you told me. “Someday, there would be an Advising Office in the center of
campus, and hope that I see you there”. 
I am here.

Thank you for all you have accomplished during your time at
Clarkson and for believing in me.

All my best,

Catherine Fuller Avadikian ’97 M.Ed.

Phalanx 1995

Director Office of University Advising

• Farewell President Collins

THANKS FOR INCLUDING US.

THANKS FOR INCLUDING US.

Neil Fisher ‘-1969

Tony and Karen , If might be so bold.

We want to thank you for bringing us back into the fold. We had participated in many alumni events prior to your arrival and never really felt included. Your warm greeting on alumni weekend was nice but when we met a second time and you genuinely seemed to remember us,  that was meaningful to us.

Coming from a disadvantaged background with little direction and life goals I struggled through school. In the end I was quite committed and had gained immensely from. my experience at CCT. After a further growth experience in the the Army I had a nice career in Operations Management and Supply Chain Management. So while I didn’t found, create my own business or become a principal executive I can recognize the benefits Clarkson provided me. Clarkson brought me a long way.

Your leadership in developing interdisciplinary curriculums, building on core competencies, made me proud of my alma mater. And I don’t hesitate to make my association known. Your interaction with us at alumni events and other actions have made us all feel a part of the institution you have greatly improved upon, even if we aren’t all the high achievers you so deservedly recognize. Through your style and efforts you earned our trust and loyalty.

So thank you for all you did and may you have have a happy enriching life as you go forward.

Deepest Regards

Neil and Mary Fisher

• Farewell President Collins

My First Day at Clarkson

My First Day at Clarkson

Nolan Hogle ‘

When I arrived on campus for my first day of class, I had absolutely no idea where I was going. My class was in the science center, and I was in CAMP looking around for the classroom. I finally found someone that helped me and showed me how to get to the science center from where I was. I didn’t realize until later on that it was President Collins that showed me where to go. You helped me my very first day of class and although it was a small thing, I appreciated that help so much and still remember it to this day! Thank you for all that you have done for Clarkson and I wish you well!

• Farewell President Collins

Friends

Friends

Bob Mann ’69

I remember just what good friends Tony and Karen were to my wife (JoAnne) and I when we visited Tech periodically to recruit for Exxon Mobil Corp!  They couldn’t have been nicer.   And last Christmas, they sent a selfie of themselves in front of their Christmas tree toasting JoAnne (now passed) and me with some of our great Virginia wine!    

• Farewell President Collins

Enjoy your life!

Enjoy your life!

Meichan Luo ’22

As a new comer, I would say thank you for each message you sent out when emergency happened. 

Enjoy your life ahead, there’s more wonder to explore!

• Farewell President Collins

My dog, the “Pace-Setter”

My dog, the “Pace-Setter”

Kelly Norman ‘

On weekends I would often come into my office before we opened Deneka Fitness Center to check emails and get an early morning workout in. I would bring my beloved, GoldenDoodle, Hadley along every chance I got. Although according to campus policy, pets were not permitted into the workplace. (Formally apology here, sorry about that). On one particular Saturday morning, Hadley had left my office while checking emails, which was highly unusual behavior for her. With no one else in the building at the time, or so I thought; I was not too worried about where she may be. After about 5 minutes, I thought I should probably check on her….When I approached the indoor track I saw President Collins and Mrs. Collins jogging laps on the track, Hadley chasing them in circles. I immediately went into full panic mode, remembering I was in violation of campus policy and Hadley was chasing our president and his wife!!  I apologized profusely for her disturbance and my violation of campus policy. Mr. Collins’ response was great…he said, “no worries, she’s a great pace-setter for us. We could use her more often!” I always appreciated his casual response and it stuck with me over the years…kind of sums up my feelings on how relatable and “down to earth'” he is. Thank you for enhancing our college town by adding to our CU greatness!! All my very best to you both!! 

• Farewell President Collins

A Heartfelt Thank You

A Heartfelt Thank You

Daniel Horn ’15

Dear Tony and Karen, congratulations on your extremely well-deserved retirement! Clarkson is a better institution in countless ways all thanks to the love, dedication, and vision you both gave to the students, faculty, staff over the years. I cannot express my gratitude to you enough for the mark you made on my time at Clarkson but also the impact you’ve had on so many people. I will forever cherish the many opportunities I had to work with you to improve the University through the CUSA Senate. I will never forget our chance interactions while leading campus tours, meeting and discussing our love of Clarkson with prospective students and families. Of course, I’ll always remember the many dinners we’ve shared at Foster House over the years both as a student and as an alumnus. Thousands of lives have been changed for the better thanks to you both and those who’ve come to know you will undoubtedly look upon those memories fondly for years to come. I wish you both the absolute best in all that you choose to do during your next chapter in life. To close, although it will not be enough, I will simply say “Thank You” for all you’ve done for me and for our beloved Clarkson. 

Best wishes, 

Daniel J. Horn ’15

• Farewell President Collins

The Ultimate Academic Power Couple

The Ultimate Academic Power Couple

Ed Robinson ’74

As I mentioned in our last meeting, your departure from Clarkson and Potsdam will leave a massive hole for the folks who replace you.  It would be hard to imagine two finer people who could make more significant contributions to students, to alumni, to the university, to the community, and to the entire North Country than Karen and Tony Collins.  It has been my good fortune to know the blessings of your friendship and I can only wish you a wonderful few decades in retirement.  Something tells me that you won’t exactly be lounging around in rocking chairs anytime soon so I look forward to hearing what exciting activities are in your futures.  I suspect you will be up to your ears in offers to engage, to envision, to lead and to collaborate with people in need of your special brands of friendship, intellect, compassion and wisdom.  Thanks for all your contributions and fine memories, and may God’s grace be with you in all the years ahead.  

• Farewell President Collins

Congratulations!

Contratulations!

Mike Boudway ’93

Congratulations on a job well done!  Wishing you success in your future endeavors!  

• Farewell President Collins

Recognition from a distant in space and time

Recognition from a distant in space and time

James Joseph ’62

I do not have any close  memories of President Collins.    That is my fault and loss.  I have heard a lot about President Collins; especially when he was working with the guys at DU/ Lambda (my fraternity)  a few years ago.   All I can say,  is that anybody who can put up with being president of a university   (with its up and downs) for 40 years, deserves all the recognition he can get! 

Jim Joseph ’62

• Farewell President Collins