St. John’s University mourns the passing of Nickolas “Nick” Davatzes ’62C, ’64G, ’95HON, Trustee Emeritus, cable tv pioneer, and partner of Dorothea Hayes Davatzes ’66Ed. Mr. Davatzes died at his house in Wilton, CT, on August 21. He was 79 many years previous.
Acknowledged in the course of the amusement marketplace as the visionary who introduced A+E Networks and The Record Channel, Mr. Davatzes is fondly remembered by the St. John’s neighborhood as a devoted alumnus, a generous philanthropist, and a devoted champion of the University.
“St. John’s has misplaced one particular of the most beloved and revered users of our family, Nickolas Davatzes,” claimed William J. Janetschek ’84CBA, ’17HON, Chair of the St. John’s Board of Trustees and Retired Husband or wife and Main Financial Officer, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. “Nick and Dorothea have under no circumstances forgotten their St. John’s roots, and have supplied their unwavering help to the University for a long time.”
Mr. Davatzes grew up in New York City and represents the common St. John’s good results story. The son of Greek immigrants, he graduated from William Cullen Bryant Large School in Astoria, NY, and enrolled at St. John’s University—where he fulfilled his future wife, Dorothea Hayes. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in 1962, followed by a Grasp of Arts degree in Sociology two yrs later.
Immediately after earning his graduate degree, he volunteered for the US Marine Corps, serving in the two energetic and reserve capacities.
In 1968, he and Dorothea wed, and shortly thereafter he recognized a situation with the Xerox Corporation, where by he worked in numerous roles right until 1977. He then joined Intext Communication Systems, the place he served as President for two a long time.
He recognized a placement with Warner Amex Cable Communications in 1980, in which he served as Senior Vice President, Administration and Human Methods, and was swiftly promoted to Team Govt the following calendar year. With his encounter, he was a pure for the role of President and Main Government Officer (CEO) of the recently made A+E Networks, a place for which he was tapped in 1983.
As President and CEO of A&E Tv Networks, LLC, he presided above the launch of The Historical past Channel, Biography, Army Historical past, History Channel en Español, and other ventures. He is a 2005 inductee in the Cable Corridor of Fame.
Mr. Davatzes was a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, The Peter J. Tobin School of Business Board of Advisors, The McCallen Society, The Loughlin Society and The Founders Modern society.
Mr. Davatzes was awarded an honorary Physician of Professional Science Degree from the University in 1995 and a Pietas Medal in 1989. In 2002, he was awarded St. John’s President’s Medal for his unfailing determination to the College. He served on the President’s Evening meal Committee and was accountable for the Biography-model video clip profiles of honorees that are on a regular basis highlighted at the evening meal and have develop into a hallmark of the prestigious event.
In 2001, Mr. and Mrs. Davatzes started the Dorothea Hayes Davatzes Scholarship Fund to gain pupils in The College of Education. In 2007, they set up the Christopher N. Davatzes Memorial Scholarship Fund, named for their late son. In addition to his beloved wife Dorothea, Mr. Davatzes is survived by his sons Geody Davatzes and Dr. Nicholas Davatzes, and four grandchildren.
“While I hardly ever experienced the honor of conference Nickolas Davatzes, I am perfectly-conscious of the profound influence he has made on the television sector, the University, and his a lot of colleagues, close friends, and loved ones associates,” offered Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s. “On behalf of the whole St. John’s local community, I increase my sincerest condolences to his wife Dorothea and the full Davatzes relatives. Could he rest in peace.”