Presentation of the
Medal of Honor
to
Nickolas Davatzes
Nickolas Davatzes received his B.A. in Economics in 1962 and his
M.A. in Sociology in 1964, both from St. John’s College of Liberal
Arts and Sciences, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Commercial
Science in 1995. His current position as Chief Executive
Emeritus at A&E Television Networks is the capstone of
a remarkable odyssey that has forever changed the face of
electronic entertainment media. His career began at The Xerox
Corporation, and after distinguishing himself as a senior executive
at both Xerox and Warner Amex Communications, he joined A&E
Network, where his accomplishments are extraordinary. During his 22
year tenure as Chief Executive Officer at A&E Television
Networks he developed channels and programs that are now available
in more than 150 countries worldwide. He founded The History
Channel, developed the AETN International Division and created the
AETN Consumer Products Division. He also founded The Biography
Channel, The Military History Channel, The History Channel
International and The History Channel en espanol and
initiated the launch of The Crime and Investigation Network. His
talents have been rewarded with numerous national and international
honors. He received the National Humanities Medal from President
George W. Bush, the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres, a knighthood
recognition from the French government, the Vanguard Award for
Distinguished Leadership from the National Cable and
Telecommunications Association and the Heritage Award from the U.S.
Marine Corps Historical Foundation. He has been inducted into the
Cable Television Hall of Fame, the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of
Fame and the Phi Kappa Tau Hall of Fame. His extensive philanthropy
and community service are evidenced in his establishment of the
Davatzes Family Foundation which focuses on education and medical
research and his transformation of “Take A Veteran To School Day”
from a local to a national program in which more than 10,000 public
schools currently participate. He is a Co-Founder of “Cable In The
Classroom” and a member of the Diocese of Bridgeport Communications
Committee and The Founders Society of St. John’s University. Over
the years this extremely generous and committed alumnus has
supported St. John’s in numerous additional ways. He and his wife
Dorothea served as Co-Chairpersons of the University’s 1993-1994
Annual Giving Campaign. He has been a member of the University’s
Board of Trustees, established three endowed scholarships to
provide financial support for deserving students, served as
Co-Chairperson of the 2003 President’s Dinner and initiated the
unique electronic biographies for The President’s Dinner Spirit of
Service Award honorees. A grateful University presented him with
the Pietas Medal in 1989 and the President’s Medal in 2002.
Tonight, on the 50th anniversary of his undergraduate graduation,
and in everlasting gratitude for his lifetime of loyalty to the
University he loves, St. John’s University, with affection and
admiration, presents the highest honor it can bestow upon an
alumnus, the Medal of Honor, to Nickolas Davatzes.
May 18, 2012