St. John’s Mourns Passing of Nickolas Davatzes ’62C, ’64G, ’95HON, CEO Emeritus of A&E Television Networks

St. John’s University mourns the passing of Nickolas “Nick” Davatzes ’62C, ’64G, ’95HON, Trustee Emeritus, cable television pioneer, and partner of Dorothea Hayes Davatzes ’66Ed. Mr. Davatzes died at his household in Wilton, CT, on August 21. He was 79 years previous.

Known during the enjoyment sector as the visionary who launched A+E Networks and The Record Channel, Mr. Davatzes is fondly remembered by the St. John’s community as a dedicated alumnus, a generous philanthropist, and a devoted winner of the College.

“St. John’s has dropped one particular of the most beloved and revered users of our spouse and children, Nickolas Davatzes,” said William J. Janetschek ’84CBA, ’17HON, Chair of the St. John’s Board of Trustees and Retired Associate and Chief Monetary Officer, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. “Nick and Dorothea have by no means neglected their St. John’s roots, and have presented their unwavering guidance to the University for a long time.”

Mr. Davatzes grew up in New York City and represents the basic St. John’s achievements story. The son of Greek immigrants, he graduated from William Cullen Bryant Superior University in Astoria, NY, and enrolled at St. John’s University—where he met his foreseeable future wife, Dorothea Hayes. He attained his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in 1962, followed by a Learn of Arts degree in Sociology two yrs afterwards.

After earning his graduate degree, he volunteered for the US Maritime Corps, serving in both of those lively and reserve capacities.

In 1968, he and Dorothea wed, and soon thereafter he recognized a placement with the Xerox Corporation, the place he labored in several roles until eventually 1977. He then joined Intext Communication Programs, wherever he served as President for two decades.

He acknowledged a placement with Warner Amex Cable Communications in 1980, in which he served as Senior Vice President, Administration and Human Resources, and was quickly promoted to Team Executive the following calendar year. With his working experience, he was a organic for the part of President and Main Executive Officer (CEO) of the recently designed A+E Networks, a situation for which he was tapped in 1983.

As President and CEO of A&E Tv Networks, LLC, he presided more than the launch of The Record Channel, Biography, Armed service Heritage, History Channel en Español, and other ventures. He is a 2005 inductee in the Cable Hall of Fame.

Mr. Davatzes was a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, The Peter J. Tobin College or university of Business enterprise Board of Advisors, The McCallen Modern society, The Loughlin Modern society and The Founders Culture.

Mr. Davatzes was awarded an honorary Medical professional of Commercial Science Diploma from the College in 1995 and a Pietas Medal in 1989. In 2002, he was awarded St. John’s President’s Medal for his unfailing motivation to the College. He served on the President’s Supper Committee and was liable for the Biography-style movie profiles of honorees that are frequently featured at the meal and have turn out to be a hallmark of the prestigious event.

In 2001, Mr. and Mrs. Davatzes started the Dorothea Hayes Davatzes Scholarship Fund to profit learners in The College of Schooling. In 2007, they established the Christopher N. Davatzes Memorial Scholarship Fund, named for their late son. In addition to his beloved spouse Dorothea, Mr. Davatzes is survived by his sons Geody Davatzes and Dr. Nicholas Davatzes, and four grandchildren.

“While I never experienced the honor of assembly Nickolas Davatzes, I am very well-mindful of the profound effects he has made on the tv market, the University, and his a lot of colleagues, buddies, and household users,” offered Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s. “On behalf of the entire St. John’s neighborhood, I prolong my sincerest condolences to his wife Dorothea and the whole Davatzes spouse and children. May well he relaxation in peace.”