Family gratitude
Family gratitude
Stephen Clarridge ’68
Five members of my family have had close connections with Clarkson. Four are alumni, one of whom had lifetime employment after graduation as a faculty member. A fifth was the janitor at Old Main for 22 years. On behalf of all of us I thank you for your contributions at every level. You are truly a Workman Who Needeth Not To Be Ashamed. I also recognize that you did not accomplish this in a vacuum. You were surrounded by good people who followed your direction. Not the least of your ensemble cast was Mrs. Collins without whose support you may not have been less effective. May the next chapter of your lives be as challenging and fruitful. Karen, those moving boxes you finally discarded would come in handy now!
May God bless!
Category:You will be missed admirably
You will be missed admirably
Farley Postgate ’05
You became president when I was in Grad School I think. You were always very encouraging, I met you several times. Thanks for the tenure! I have a lot of respect for people who can hold a position of leadership for a long time. We don’t get that in industry too often.
-Farley
Category:First Impressions
First Impressions
Mary Szypajlo ’93
You were the first faculty member my Mom and I met when I came to Clarkson to see if I wanted to attend. You were part of the reason I attended. Then you became my advisor and favorite professor. Thank you for everything you did for me as a student and for al you did for Clarkson. Best wishes to you on a well deserved retirement!
Category:Special People
Special People
Richard March ’50
I graduated from Clarkson long before Tony became President, but I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him and Karen over the years. They are both kind and thoughtful people, special in every way. He invariably came to Sarasota to see me and others whenever on a trip to Florida. On occasion, my wife and I hosted them and other alumni at the party room in our condo building and always had a great time with them. I believe Tony to be a unique person and the right one to lead Clarkson into the 21st Century. He had a vision for the University and worked diligently to fulfill it. I am always astonished by the many activities and initiatives in which he has been involved. Clarkson is very fortunate to have had him as a leader these many years. I can only wish Tony and Karen well for the future and a fulfilling retirement that is well deserved. I will miss them both.
Category:Thank You and Best Wishes!
Thank you — and best wishes!
Joelle Maurer ’88
Tony & Karen — Words escape me as how to explain the impact you have had on the Clarkson Community. The enthusiasm you had when you took on this role and have maintained is leaving insanely large shoes to fill. You were both willing to do whatever it took to get Clarkson on a larger map, in more discussions, with more grant money / research projects and worldwide recognition. You will be both be very missed but I wish you all the best on this new chapter. I hope you take this tine to enjoy the family, the flora and the fun you have earned. Thank you —
Category:You always made us feel so welcomed
You always made us feel so welcomed
Peter LaDuca ‘
As an alumni and a parent of 2 boys that went to Clarkson, when we would meet Karen and yourself at various Clarkson events… you always made us feel so very welcomed. I remember your enthusiastic response when we introduced ourselves as parents of a Clarkson student and how you just burst with excitement exclaiming “your son has made such a good choice”. Thank you for making it fun for the students attending Clarkson!
Category:President Collins
President Collins
Joshua White ’14
Thank you so much for being a light on the campus when I was a student.
Category:Life and Leadership Lessons from Prof. Collins
Life and leadership lessons from Prof. Collins
Niklas Vigener ’91
Professor Collins was a young professor in the late 80s and early 90s when I had him for Water and Wastewater. I was interested in structures and initially gave the class pretty short shrift. Not surprisingly I scored in the 50s on my first exam. Pretty embarrassing and Prof. Collins let me know it with good-natured ribbing and a big funny frown. I buckled down and scored in the 90s on the remaining exams. His energy and fun teaching made the class very accessible and I liked going and learning about the “Schmutzdecke” and “grungy water.” Who would have thought! When I ran into him at the end of the semester he said he had never seen a student come back from such a lousy first exam grade and do well in his class. I told him it was his infectious energy. During my career I often reflected back on how he motivated his students and tried to emulate him.
I came back this year with my son to tour Clarkson. We sat in the front row and Prof. Collins – I would never be able to call him Tony or even Mr. Collins – picked on us and called us out. It was great. I wore my ancient frayed Clarkson sweatshirt. My son loved it and realized there really is no other place he could ever go!
Category:Best wishes
Best wishes
Stub Estey ’64
All the Best
All the best
Jean-Marc Champagne ’95
Tony, you truly did an amazing job with Clarkson… always a good school academically but it had historically punched below its weight. You had an incredible vision. When I graduated, Clarkson was relatively unknown outside upstate NY. You helped change a lot of that. You brought long overdue recognition to the school. Thank you for that and for all of your hard work to make Clarkson a better and more recognized school with a global vision. I hope the next President can continue with your vision. Wishing all the best to you and your wife in your next venture in life. If you are ever in Hong Kong please look me up. It would be a pleasure to take you both around the city.
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