St. John’s College 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 residence in Wilton, CT, on August 21. He was 79 yrs previous.
Regarded all through the entertainment sector as the visionary who introduced A+E Networks and The Background Channel, Mr. Davatzes is fondly remembered by the St. John’s group as a focused alumnus, a generous philanthropist, and a devoted winner of the University.
“St. John’s has dropped 1 of the most beloved and revered associates of our spouse and children, Nickolas Davatzes,” mentioned William J. Janetschek ’84CBA, ’17HON, Chair of the St. John’s Board of Trustees and Retired Lover and Chief Monetary Officer, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. “Nick and Dorothea have never forgotten their St. John’s roots, and have offered their unwavering support to the College for yrs.”
Mr. Davatzes grew up in New York Metropolis and represents the traditional St. John’s success story. The son of Greek immigrants, he graduated from William Cullen Bryant Large Faculty in Astoria, NY, and enrolled at St. John’s University—where he met his upcoming spouse, Dorothea Hayes. He acquired his Bachelor of Science diploma in Economics in 1962, adopted by a Learn of Arts degree in Sociology two several years afterwards.
Following earning his graduate degree, he volunteered for the US Maritime Corps, serving in both equally lively and reserve capacities.
In 1968, he and Dorothea wed, and before long thereafter he acknowledged a posture with the Xerox Corporation, wherever he worked in a variety of roles till 1977. He then joined Intext Interaction Techniques, in which he served as President for two years.
He recognized a situation with Warner Amex Cable Communications in 1980, the place he served as Senior Vice President, Administration and Human Resources, and was immediately promoted to Group Govt the pursuing yr. With his experience, he was a all-natural for the function of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the freshly developed A+E Networks, a place for which he was tapped in 1983.
As President and CEO of A&E Tv Networks, LLC, he presided more than the start of The Historical past Channel, Biography, Army Heritage, Heritage 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 Faculty of Organization Board of Advisors, The McCallen Society, The Loughlin Society and The Founders Society.
Mr. Davatzes was awarded an honorary Health care provider of Commercial 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 dedication to the College. He served on the President’s Meal Committee and was responsible for the Biography-design and style video clip profiles of honorees that are routinely highlighted at the evening meal and have grow to be a hallmark of the prestigious event.
In 2001, Mr. and Mrs. Davatzes launched the Dorothea Hayes Davatzes Scholarship Fund to gain learners in The Faculty of Schooling. In 2007, they founded 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 had the honor of meeting Nickolas Davatzes, I am perfectly-knowledgeable of the profound impact he has produced on the television business, the University, and his several colleagues, pals, and loved ones users,” 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 spouse Dorothea and the complete Davatzes loved ones. May well he relaxation in peace.”