Thank you President Collins

Thank you President Collins

Gregg Steiner ’16

President Collins, 

Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement and good luck in all your future endeavors. I’m so grateful that I was able to attend Clarkson University as a student during your tenure as President because I saw first-hand what it meant to be a true leader. Thank you for setting the standard on what it meant to be a Golden Knight and how we should carry ourselves while representing our university. I am extremely proud to be a Golden Knight and most of that is because of you. 

As a President myself (Delta Upsilon Chapter ’13-’15), I looked up to you as a leader and modeled my leadership after your behaviors.  I understand that every decision that’s made will effect everyone and not everyone will be happy with the result, but you need to make the best decision for the organization at the time. Being consistent and transparent in these decisions with the other members of the organization is crucial to developing a strong culture. It’s not easy, but once that culture is created, it can be sustainable for a long time. The culture that you created at Clarkson has impacted every student that has walked onto campus and made us all better students, friends and family members. Your impact will be felt at Clarkson for the rest of its time.

Thank you for always supporting Greek Life and especially the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. Without your unwavering support, our chapter may have never returned to campus and 100 years of history would have disappeared. As my fellow brothers would say, you are always an Honorary Lambda.

Wish you and Karen nothing but the best.

Sincerely, 

Greggory Steiner ’16

• Farewell President Collins

Memories leading up to graduation in 2017

Memories leading up to graduation in 2017

Victoria Peterson ’17

Tony,
It was always a pleasure seeing you on campus. I remember I chaired the leadership development activity during COGO 2017 and the remarks you gave about me in your speech at the event meant a lot. At graduation you caught me by surprise when you gave me a hug as I received my diploma. Thank you for always supporting the Clarkson students and being so welcoming to me. You made a bigger impact than you know. I will carry the positive Clarkson memories with me always.
Best,
Victoria Peterson

• Farewell President Collins

Thank You!

Thank You!

Francis Peverly ’85

Tony and Karen,

Certainly, congratulations are in order for your retirement. But I find it is more important for me to thank you both for your tireless energy that has resulted in the transformation of “Tech” into this illustrious university. Not only was it a springboard for me, a first-generation college student, but subsequently served so many others in my family including my sister, brother-in-law, nephews, cousins and close friends. And I would be remiss to not state this is where I met my wife – even if she is a St Lawrence graduate! Beyond the personal stories Clarkson has for me, the opportunity to be part of this change, from research advisory boards to scholarships, from annual donations to special support needs, your initiative, energy and enthusiasm has only served to heighten my duty and my commitment to this school. So, thank you for all you have done directly and indirectly, and go enjoy the life in Philadelphia. I hope to see you at a hockey game sometime in the future. And if you are ever in the Tuxedo NY area, don’t be afraid to reach out. Frank Peverly ’85

• Farewell President Collins

Thanks for being a great University leader

Thanks for being a great University leader

Ken Lally ‘-79

Tony, I have learned much from you since we reconnected six years ago.  Your dedication and leadership of Clarkson has been simply outstanding.  And Karen has bolstered the Clarkson image along with you.  Both Jeanne and I look forward to the times our paths will cross again.

• Farewell President Collins

Cheers!

Cheers!

Maria Cleator ’89

Tony and Karen,

What a ride! You have poured a lot of energy into Clarkson
and there is so much to show for it. 
Your unwavering leadership, purposeful outreach, and vision for growth
have helped propel Clarkson’s reputation and offerings. 

From our first interaction at the CU Hurricanes event in NC
to the Saratoga Races and CU Reunions, you have been warm and inviting.  And making time for a photo op with us was
always a highlight.

You are two amazing people, and we wish you the best as you
continue with life’s next chapter. 
Cheers!

Maria Bunche Cleator ’89 and Nicole Caruso Pfeifer ‘89

• Farewell President Collins

Regards from the Class of 1958 Zoomers

Regards from the Class of 1958 Zoomers

Thomas Loggia ’58

Dear Tony,

The class of 1958 Zoom
Alumni would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your upcoming
retirement. It has been a great and rewarding time for us to have you as
President of Clarkson for the last 19 years. Your dedication and hard work have
made us and other alumni proud of the benefits of our continued association
with the university.

Clarkson will always remember you as a driving force that
has guided the evolution of a comprehensive long-term plan that has elevated
the University’s academic standing and reputation. You have worked tirelessly
to ensure that Clarkson provides young men and women an education plus the
necessary tools needed to successfully enter the work force of their chosen profession. 

We wish you and Karen the best in your future endeavors. Retirement will
offer you many new opportunities, which we believe you will embrace
wholeheartedly, just as you did at Clarkson.

Thank you and Best Regards,

Anthony (Tony) Fraioli, Arnold (Arnie) Taranto, Charles (Chuck) Perschetz, Henry (Hank) Okraski, Ken Gibbs, Thomas (Tom) Loggia 

Category:

• Farewell President Collins

Best Wishes to President Tony and Karen Collins

Best Wishes to President Tony and Karen Collins

Gerald (Jerry) Kilanoski ’61

Dear Dr. Collins and Karen Collins,

After 40 years of outstanding commitment, dedication and contribution to Clarkson University, Mary and I wish you and Karen our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes.  We are especially appreciative of you and Karen coming to Sarasota to meet with us.  

Warm regards and many thanks. 

Sincerely, Mary & Jerry Kilanoski ‘61

• Farewell President Collins

Thank you for your support!

Thank you for your support!

Sandip Purnapatra ’22

Mr. and Mrs. Collins, I wish you all the best for your future endeavors. Thank you for making Clarkson a better place for all students. Thank you for graciously hosting us in your residence and making us feel welcome and loved. Please accept my sincere gratitude for helping me and the CUGSA foster a better graduate student community in Clarkson. Stay Safe and Take care!

• Farewell President Collins

Best Wishes- Tony and Karen Collins

Best Wishes- Tony and Karen Collins

Ken Baker ‘

Best wishes-Tony & Karen Collins

• Wow, it has been many years since we met Tony and Karen. I met Tony when I was a Trustee on the Board and he was still in the Civil Engineering department. He came to the board meeting and discussed a strategic plan for the University. I was immediately impressed with his forward thinking for the University and his command of the topic . He was someone special. Little did I know at the time how significant this event would be for both Clarkson and I.
• Shortly after this ,while on the Board  physical plant committee I lead a discussion to move the majority of the universities  facilities to the hill campus. After much debate it was agreed to begin this historic journey .   
• President Denny Brown decided to retire and the board selected Tony Collins as the new president of Clarkson and to lead the transition to the hill. Our earlier meeting at the board was beginning to become a significant milestone for Clarkson – new President and new hill Campus.
• Tony has lead the transition to the hill campus over the past 20 years in a masterful way. He and Karen have dedicated an amazing amount of time developing proposals and acquiring the funds to turn this dream into a reality.  I was very proud when the board decided to name the new campus the Collins Hill Campus. A fitting tribute to both Karen and Tony
• Over his tenure as President of the University , Tony and I have worked on a number of initiatives that have transformed the definition of a Clarkson education.
• Stemming from the  universities efforts with the DOE Sunrayce program and the SAE mini Baja programs , we developed the SPEED team concept. Clarkson was able to compete with and beat large Universities in various competitions thru their extraordinary teamwork on engineering and management. This literally created the “ mouse that roared” in worldwide competitions. This team concept is being expanded into other areas of research, engineering, and  innovation .
• This led to the  innovation hub concept. A central location for students to work together as teams on the development of the commercialization of technical opportunities. Clarkson is a leader in jump starting new business ventures and creating the innovation dynamic on campus. 
• One very special memory was when Tony and Karen decided to drop in on us here in Scottsdale to attend the annual alumni hockey telecast. They came to the telecast that I hosted at our golf club and everyone enjoyed the casual interaction with both Tony and Karen. I really enjoyed our time after the telecast sitting around a campfire talking about the vision for the next 125 years of Clarkson Education. A special time with two very special people.

• Overall. It has been an honor to serve Clarkson University with Tony and our friendship with Tony and. Karen is something that Suzi and I hold very dear. They are both very special and unique people who demonstrate the principles and culture of the Clarkson University heritage and have built friendships based upon trust, leadership and consideration for others….Tony is truly a “workman that needeth not be ashamed”! 

Thank You for the wonderful memories

Ken and Suzi Baker ’69

• Farewell President Collins

Enjoy Retirement, and have fun!

Enjoy Retirement, and have fun!

David Werner ’63

Tony and Karen – it has been a great pleasure knowing you both and seeing you at both the women’s and men’s hockey games.  You may be retiring from CU but I believe you will continue to be active wherever you wind up (I hope it will still be Potsdam), and have a continued interest in CU. Although my annual contribution is small in the big picture, it is 10 times above what I used to contribute before meeting you wonderful people. The best to you both, now and for many years to come, and hope to see you at CU in future years.

Sue and Dave Werner, Malone

• Farewell President Collins