FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 21, 2023
New Paltz, NY – The Board of Directors at the Upstate Capital Association of New York is proud to announce that Anthony (“Tony”) Collins, former President of Clarkson University, will be honored with Upstate Capital’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions and dedication to innovation, entrepreneurship and investment in Upstate New York.
Collins retired as president of Clarkson University in 2022, after 19 years as President and a total of 40 years there. His leadership has had substantial impacts on campus, in the North Country, in Upstate New York, and beyond. The Board of Directors at Upstate Capital is excited to recognize his contributions to the investment ecosystem. Under Collins’ leadership, Clarkson expanded its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, repurposing the downtown Potsdam campus for interdisciplinary entrepreneurship and expanding the footprint of its programs to Schenectady and Beacon, NY. According to InvestNY.org, nearly $30M in venture capital has been invested in more than 30 companies in the North Country in just the past 5 years.
Noa Simons, President & CEO of Upstate Capital, said, “Tony spent the past two decades as a tireless champion of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. His efforts attracted capital to the region, built relationships across New York and beyond, and helped facilitate the commercialization of technologies. He has been a force in the field of economic advancement, championing initiatives that bridge the gap between academia and industry. His work has made our investment ecosystem stronger.”
Outside the university, Collins has served on several boards, including the North Country Regional Economic Development Council and the Business Council of New York State. He is the president of the Seaway Private Equity Corporation. Collins will be recognized at Upstate Capital’s Annual Awards Celebration on December 6, 2023 in Rochester, NY.
About the Upstate Capital Association of New York: Upstate Capital is a membership network for venture capital and private equity investors, M&A professionals, CEOs and business owners, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem support professionals. The mission is to increase access to capital for companies and deal flow for investors across New York. Learn more at upstatecapital.org.
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Press Contact: Page Fronczek
Telephone: (845) 204-8090
Email: page@upstatecapital.org
Website: www.upstatecapital.org