It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Charles Dolan ’52, namesake of the Charles and Helen Dolan Center for Science and Technology on Ӱ̳’s campus, who passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the age of 98.
Charles met his late wife, Helen, while they were both students at Ӱ̳ in the 1950s. As the story goes, the couple met in a logic class taught by Fr. Joe Schell, S.J. Helen was quoted as saying, “Charles and I did meet in logic class and there has been a certain logic in our lives together.” They were married for 73 years before she passed away in August of 2023.
In 1996, Charles and Helen received honorary doctoral degrees and delivered the Commencement address on campus saying, “Technology has given you the power of inquiry greater than thinking individuals have ever possessed. Not to use it would be like not breathing.”
Charles led an inspirational life and left an amazing legacy in the world of media, broadcasting, and entertainment. He launched and led the Home Box Office Inc (HBO) and Cablevision; one of the largest cable companies in America, while also creating the American Movie Classic television station (AMC). Charles also developed a business portfolio that included controlling stakes in companies that owned Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers, and Newsday, Long Island’s Newspaper.
In 2000, inspired by the 50th anniversary of their meeting at Ӱ̳, Charles and Helen made a remarkable $20 million gift toward the new science center which bears their name. Since its inception, the Dolan Center for Science and Technology has played a significant role in enhancing the academic and campus experience for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. It remains the largest academic building on campus.
You can read the full obituary .
Ӱ̳ will be represented at the funeral by Fr. Bernie McAniff, S.J., University Chaplain, and Mike Scanlan ’06, Vice President, University Advancement.
We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Dolan family. A Mass in memory of Charles will be celebrated on campus at a later date.