In Memoriam: George D. Zgourides PsyD ’89
George D. Zgourides PsyD’89 died May 18, 2022, at age 60. A man of diverse talents and interest and a passion for life, he was born in Houston, Texas on May 21, 1961, to Theodore and Katherine Zgourides. He graduated from St. Thomas' Episcopal School in Houston where he developed a deep love for music, playing Scottish bagpipes in the pipe and drum band as well as participating in highland dance and choir.
Zgourides attended Rice University, earning a double-major bachelors degree in psychology and music, and a master's degree in composing and conducting. At Pacific, he earned a doctorate in psychology, specializing in anxiety disorders and human sexuality. He worked in a clinical treatment setting before accepting a full-time faculty position at the University of Portland in 1990. He also took a position as a pastoral resident in Christie Hall, was later ordained and earned a master of arts degree in applied orthodox theology. He met Christie Slaton, who was an adjunct faculty member in the English Department at the University of Portland and the couple married on June 6, 1998. They moved to Roswell, N.M., where Zgourides continued teaching psychology and worked as the campus chaplain for the New Mexico Military Institute. During his clinical and university career, he published extensively, including a book for clinicians on using cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat anxiety, and a university textbook on human sexuality.
After more than 20 years as a clinical psychologist, Zgourides attended the American University of the Caribbean Medical School, which included clinical training in Waterford, Ireland. He earned a master of science degree in 2004 and a doctor of medicine degree in 2006. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas in 2009. In 2013, Zgourides and his wife moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he worked in various rural clinics.
He also developed many interests and passions outside his work in the medical field, such as art, travel, gardens, science fiction films and food. With his skills and training in music, theology, psychology, and medicine, Zgourides’ influence was beyond measure. He is remembered by those who knew him as kind, gentle, compassionate, positive, and calm.
Zgourides was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Katherine; his wife, Christie; siblings Kimberly Zgourides (and Jeff) Fergerson and Stephen Zgourides; nieces and nephews, Casey Sarabia, Nicholas Zgourides, Piper Fergerson, Jacob Fergerson, and Katrianna Zgourides; and his beloved chihuahua, Andre.