2003 A Year of Celebration and Promise
The inauguration of Anthony G. Collins as Clarkson's sixteenth president took place on October 11, 2003, the day after dedication of the newly named Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering. The two "Celebration Weekend" events marked the culmination of an extraordinary year of achievement and high promise for the University. In June, Clarkson completed the most successful fund-raising campaign in history. It also attracted a record total in external research support, highlighted by New York State Governor George Pataki's on-campus announcement of funding for University initiatives in biotechnology.
Clarkson has arrived "at a moment
of historic opportunity," observed
President Anthony G. Collins in his
inaugural address.
Inauguration of a New President
In his inauguration address before more than 800 people, President Collins drew attention to Clarkson's transformation over 100 years from "a tiny trade school into a major technological university of international stature." Emphasizing the theme "Evolution to Excellence," he pointed out that both the University and the surrounding North Country region of New York State have arrived at a moment of historic opportunity because Clarkson is now positioned to realize its full potential.
"We are the Northeast's only technological university in a rural environment and among the smallest nationally recognized universities," he observed. "Of the 248 nationally ranked universities, just 17 are members of the Association of Independent Technological Universities. And we are one of those elite 17. Our graduates are overly represented in the leadership ranks of American business, where one in 12 is a CEO, president, vice president or owner of a company. Our region, nation and our world are increasingly dependent on the technological graduates that we produce and the intellectual property that our researchers develop. Therefore, our evolving strengths intersect precisely with the growing needs of our technologically driven society."
Collins, who earned his undergraduate degree at Monash University in Australia and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at Lehigh University, began his academic career at Clarkson 22 years ago as an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering. He subsequently rose through levels of increasing academic and administrative responsibility, having served most recently as provost. He was chosen as president by Clarkson Trustees on February 8, 2003, and took office officially on July 1 with tremendous support from faculty, staff, alumni and trustees.
During the ceremony, a variety of speakers praised Collins' impact on both the University and the surrounding community, while celebrating the promise of his presidency. New York State Senator Raymond Meier observed, for example, that Collins has played a critical role in making government officials aware of Clarkson research and the potential economic impact of its technological and scholarly expertise. Karen St. Hilaire '75, M.S. '98, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, also cited his effectiveness in creating and strengthening educational and economic partnerships among Clarkson, area businesses, and schools. Distinguished University Professor Egon Matijevic´, who holds the Victor K. LaMer Chair of Chemistry, praised Collins as a committed scholar and academic leader.
Growing Strength in Financial Resources
As evidence of Clarkson's evolving quality and strength as a research institution in his address, President Collins cited external research support in the past year that includes: $4.5 million in biotechnology funding from New York State through its Gen*NY*sis program for research and economic growth; $1.8 million in NYSTAR-EQS funding for atmospheric environmental research; and $1.4 million in U.S. Defense Department funding for obscurant smokes, with another $3 million pending, supported by U.S. Congressman John McHugh.
Indeed, the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, marked a new high of $13,031,890, as Clarkson's external research support rose for the third straight record year. The University's Center for Advanced Materials Processing has doubled its external funding total over the past three years and in 2003 its economic impact in New York State from research discoveries was approximately $25 million.
The end of the 2003 fiscal year also marked the formal conclusion of Clarkson's largest fund-raising campaign in history a year ahead of schedule, having exceeded its target of $70 million by more than $45 million to reach a total of $115,027,113. Targeting academic excellence, support for students in scholarships and financial aid, and physical consolidation on Clarkson's hill campus, the campaign drew the support of some 17,000 individual supporters, including almost 13,000 alumni.
Incoming Dean of Engineering S.S.
"Mani" Venkata (foreground) and
former Dean Norbert Ackermann.
The Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering
On October 10, 2003, the formal dedication of the Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering marked a defining moment in Clarkson history. The generous gift of $30 million from the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation amplified Clarkson's strength while bringing a new theme to the School: "Technology Serving Humanity."
An engineer, scientist, inventor, and highly successful entrepreneur, the late Wallace Coulter relished technological challenges and was also motivated by a profound desire to make the lives of people better. Mr. Coulter, who is recognized for his advances in hematology and cell analysis, collaborated with Clarkson faculty on research, served as a Trustee of the University, and recognized its promise. The Foundation's generous gift has provided new momentum that is enabling Clarkson to vigorously pursue that potential.