Assembly Resolution No. 723

BY: M. of A. Walczyk

CONGRATULATING Dr. Anthony G. Collins, President
of Clarkson University and devoted advocate for
higher education, upon the occasion of his
retirement after many years of distinguished service
to the field of education

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr. Anthony G. Collins upon the occasion of his retirement after 19
years of distinguished service to Clarkson University on Thursday, June
30, 2022; and

WHEREAS, In 1982, Anthony G. Collins launched his illustrious career
at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, as an Assistant Professor
of Civil and Environmental Engineering; and

WHEREAS, Subsequently rising to the rank of Professor, Anthony G.
Collins also assumed increasing levels of administrative responsibility,
including Department Chair, Dean, Vice President of Academic Affairs,
and Provost, before being elected President in 2003, the esteemed role
from which he will officially retire; and

WHEREAS, For the past 19 years, Anthony G. Collins rendered
faithful, conscientious and valuable service to Clarkson University,
earning the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, As President, Anthony G. Collins served with loyalty, honor
and distinction, and was governed by a keen sense of duty and always
showed a unique grasp of human problems in his official acts; and

WHEREAS, Serving in various capacities while President of Clarkson
University, Anthony G. Collins notably was nominated by President Barack
Obama to serve on the Advisory Board of the Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation in 2014; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 2011, Anthony G. Collins was appointed
co-chair for the North Country Regional Economic Development Council,
where he served until 2019; he also served on a commission to study
utility companies' storm preparation and management, and to overhaul
regulation of the entire system to better deal with emergencies; and

WHEREAS, In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Anthony G. Collins
was appointed in 2020 to join the Reimagine Task Force to devise ways to
safely reopen educational institutions in New York State; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Anthony G. Collins is the chair of
the Association of Independent Technological Institutions (AITU) and the
emeritus chair of New York's Commission for Independent Colleges and
Universities; and


WHEREAS, In addition, he is a member of the New York State panel
tasked to advise the Governor and Port Authority of New York and New
Jersey on the redesign of New York's airports and the supporting
infrastructure to attract additional commercial activity; and

WHEREAS, On a local level, Anthony G. Collins is the President of
the Seaway Private Equity Corporation which invests in new technology
companies based in St. Lawrence County, New York; and

WHEREAS, The recipient of many accolades, Anthony G. Collins has
received awards for outstanding teaching, research, and advising; he was
also named to City & State New York's "Higher Education Power 50" list,
which honors the 50 most powerful New Yorkers working in higher
education; he was among the primary architects of the Vision of a
Clarkson Education, guiding the evolution of the university's curriculum
since 1995, which, among other notable achievements, certainly
attributes to such an accolade; and

WHEREAS, Anthony G. Collins has lectured globally and is the author
of more than 90 professional publications; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Karen, and their
four children, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Anthony G. Collins upon the occasion of his retirement after
19 years of distinguished service to Clarkson University; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Anthony G. Collins.