My Friend, Miklos Wass De Czege
A Life of Innovation and Leadership
We gather to honor the remarkable life of Miklos Wass de Czege, a visionary leader whose impact spanned decades and touched countless lives across the globe. His journey was one of relentless pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and social responsibility.
Early Years and Education
Miklos began his educational journey at the University of Florida, where he laid the foundation for his multifaceted career by studying Mathematics, Psychology, and Philosophy.
His thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Wisconsin for a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Analysis, and Economics. Never one to rest on his laurels, Miklos continued his education with post-graduate work at the University of Florida in Operation Research and at Northeastern University in Public Administration.
The Dawn of a Stellar Career
In the early stages of his professional life, Miklos demonstrated his brilliance and versatility:
- He contributed to humanity’s greatest adventure as a space science analyst for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, working on the first Moon Flight.
- At Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio, he honed his skills in operations and market research.
- His dedication to public service shone through his roles as Director of Research and Development at the State Budget Office in the Executive Office of the Governor of Wisconsin, and later as Director of Planning for the Wisconsin State Department of Education.
A Thought Leader in Policy Research
Miklos’s intellect and leadership abilities found their way to prestigious think tanks:
- At MITRE Corporation in Bedford, Massachusetts, he played a crucial role in reorganizing the Massachusetts State Government.
- The Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies in Minneapolis, Minnesota, benefited from his expertise as he directed the National Social Indicator Project and the National Rehabilitation Policy Study, while also serving as a consultant to the White House Conference on Aging.
- As Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the International Society of Education Planners, he shaped discussions in educational policy and planning.
Championing Native American Development
With a heart for community development, Miklos dedicated himself to improving the lives of Native Americans. As a development consultant, he raised over $500 million for more than thirty clients, working on projects ranging from mineral development to cultural facilities, demonstrating his ability to bridge economic progress with cultural preservation.
Pioneering in Media and Broadcasting
Miklos’s work increasingly focused on leveraging media for global good:
- In 1987, he co-founded the First Earth Run, raising over $200 million for UNESCO through a nine-month global broadcast event.
- He continued to be involved in numerous charitable broadcasts, using his expertise to amplify messages of hope and solidarity across the world.
Global Humanitarian Efforts
The 1980s marked a turning point in Miklos’s career as he ventured into media and broadcasting:
- In 1985, he co-founded Skylink Satellite Communications, which provided satellite transmission services for the groundbreaking “Live Aid” Concert, one of the most technically complex broadcast events in human history.
- He was a founder and managing general partner of America’s first socially responsible venture capital fund, Conscious Investors, which financed various global broadcast initiatives.
- His company, Global Media, formed in August 1985, went public on the London stock exchange, showcasing his business acumen on an international stage.
Legacy of Innovation
Throughout his career, Miklos held leadership positions in nearly thirty companies, always at the forefront of technological advancement:
- He was instrumental in developing the Global Video Superhighway concept in 1998.
- His work spanned telecommunications, satellite systems, and HDTV research, consistently pushing the boundaries of what was possible in global communication.
A Life of Service and Recognition
Miklos’s contributions did not go unnoticed. He was listed in “Who’s Who in the Midwest” in 1967, recognized as the youngest person to receive this honor. He was a finalist for the prestigious White House Fellowship multiple times and was honored as one of the Community Leaders of America.
Final Chapter
As we bid farewell to Miklos Wass de Czege, we remember a man whose life was a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and compassion. From the halls of NASA to the boardrooms of global media companies, from think tanks to Native American reservations, Miklos left an indelible mark on every life he touched and every institution he served.
His legacy lives on in the global networks he helped build, the policies he shaped, and the countless individuals he inspired. Miklos showed us that one person, armed with intellect, determination, and a commitment to social good, can indeed change the world.
As we honor his memory, let us carry forward his spirit of innovation, his dedication to lifelong learning, and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Miklos Wass de Czege may have left this earthly stage, but his impact will continue to resonate through the annals of history and in the hearts of all who knew him.
May he rest in peace, knowing that his life’s work has laid the foundation for a more connected, compassionate, and enlightened world.