Your compassion
Your compassion
James McKay ’62
Dear President Tony Collins,
While you came to Clarkson well after I graduated in the class of ’62, I have followed your vigorous pursuit of excellence and growth for our institution, the faculty, staff, students, town of Potsdam and most of all, the best possible student experience available at a fine university. Your vision, commitment and compassion was always proudly on display.
At the 50th reunion for my class, I witnessed that compassion and 5 years later at another reunion, mentioned it to you. You remembered it then and it bears retelling the story, as it illustrates perfectly that compassion. While at the group photo event where you shook each reunion participants hand, I was next behind Dale Kenyon. Dale was an engineering graduate who happened to be a dwarf. When you saw him, you bent to one knee on the ground so you were looking at Dale directly face to face for the handshake, and your exchange of words with him. That action speaks volumes for your compassion and consideration of all people. Clarkson is so much richer with your daily leadership examples. You have set a very high bar for all Presidents who follow you.
Sincere Best Wishes for you and Karen’s Golden Years retirement,
Jim McKay ’62
Category:A Legacy That Will Live On ~
A Legacy That Will Live On ~
Rajiv Narula ’11
Dear President Collins,
You were my President at Clarkson when I joined in 2005. I had never traveled on a plane before when I came from India that year to join the PhD program in Env. Engineering at Clarkson. I was a little nervous. Surprisingly, I met you on my first day at campus, on a walk, not knowing who you were. But your kindness, genuine concern for students, smile, and a warm handshake assured me that I was at the right place and all would be well. And, it was. Your vision, dedication, and leadership made Clarkson simply the best place for me to get my higher education. When time came for me to get a job, you left no stone unturned to make sure I had the best recommendations from you and from the University. Many a time, I remember walking with you through campus and around and having some of the best conversations in my life. You have always been like a father figure to me. Your calling me “the unofficial Mayor of Potsdam and Canton” at my graduation in 2011 touched my heart. I am so hoping our paths cross many more times in life. I wish you the best of health, and happiness in your life.
Dear Karen,
Thank you so much for your hospitality and your kindness every time you hosted us. I witnessed your vision and generosity when I worked with you at the Board of NCCM and other organizations. You are an inspiration.
Best of everything to you.
~ Rajiv (Class of 2011)
Future
Future
Skip Lewis ’66
Looking foreword to you visits to the Bahamas, I am sure you won’t have to push the boat.
You have done so much good for Clarkson that leaving must be hard, but you will always have your tremendous accomplishments to think back on. All the best, Skip and Barbara
Category:A fond farewell
A fond farewell
Jim Kuhn ’94
Thank you for leading such a well respected university that provided me the opportunity to have a very fulfilling career in engineering and management.
Aside from the fantastic times spent on campus, I am very fond of the events hosted by President Collins at the Saratoga Race Track for many summers. It was a get opportunity to catch up with him and Karen in a casual and exciting setting along with several alumni.
Congratulation on leaving Clarkson in an even better position than when you started and best wishes to you and Karen in your retirement years.
Thank you,
Jim Kuhn ’94
Category:Thank You for bringing Clarkson to a higher level.
Thank You for bringing Clarkson to a higher level.
Paul Dudden ’67
First as a greatly respected environmental prof, then as Department Chairman and then on to our most successful President , I wish you All The Best in your retirement. Thank You for all you’ve done for your students, for the University, and for your affiliated business partners.
Category:Thank you for all the little things
Thank you for all the little things
Chaz Adams ’07
I have two big memories that stand out with Tony and Karen. First is that they were willing to donate to fundraising efforts I have conducted in recent years for cancer research, I am not sure I know anyone else who has gotten the president of their university to donate to such a campaign. The second was at a Knights Round Table talk in Boston, it was the first Clarkson event I brought my now wife to and Karen and her immediately hit it off with Karen offering up career advice. We with you both all the best and will miss your energy at events!
Category:President Collins & Mrs. Collins at Clarkson Events
President Collins & Mrs. Collins at Clarkson Events
Marjorie Meashaw ‘
President Collins & Mrs. Collins,
The dedication and commitment that you both have shown to
Clarkson University is unparalleled. Your willingness to attend as many student
events as humanly possible did not go unnoticed. Not only did our students,
staff and faculty notice, so did visitors to our campus. I had a family tell me
that the number one reason their grandson came to Clarkson was because
President Collins was so visible.
Not seeing “Tony and Karen” at University events will be
hard and you both will be truly missed.
I wish you both health and happiness as you
start the next chapter in your lives.
Marjorie Meashaw ’14
Category:Tony – a most friendly representative from Clarkson
Tony – a most friendly representative from Clarkson
Denis Jones ’64
Tony was a continuous strong supporter of Clarkson Lambda/DUs. Many years ago, I remember first
meeting Tony at a Lambda/DU reunion in Florida – there was this ‘stranger’ sitting poolside mid-day and having a beer with a few oldie DUs – and the ‘stranger’ turned out
to be Tony! Imagine – a Clarkson President making the time to get to know the
grads! Clarkson was so blessed to have a leader that put so much effort into
the students/alumni. We were lucky to get to know him.
Tony and Karen – congrats on the retirement from Clarkson, and stay safe. Denis Jones ’64
Category:Not to be forgotten
Not to be forgotten
Hank Okraski ’58
Tony, you and the First Lady, Karen, have brought the Clarkson family leadership, reputation and progress, and you touched our hearts with your kindness. We wish you “Fair Winds and Following Seas” in your next adventure! Cheers, Hank & Judy
Category:Enjoy the ride!
Enjoy the ride!
Don Nims ’81
I am grateful to say that when ever we met you remembered my family’s connection to lacrosse. My hunch is that quality was shared with many Alumni, which for me made for a genuine connection. Thank you and good luck! Go tech!
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