Top Journalist Georges Dies of Lupus

The Harvard community and American journalism suffered a tragic loss Tuesday when Christopher J. Ceorges '87 died at Lenox Hospital in New York City as a result of complications related to lupus, a disease he battled for much of his life.

In his short career as a journalist, Georges, who was a Crimson editor, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and became a top Washington reporter.

"Chris Georges was a reporter's reporter. Whether he was writing about the budget, Medicare or welfare, Chris' journalistic integrity, attention to detail, and focus on the human side of policy earned him the respect of both his fellow reporters and those who work in the Congress and the White House," said President Clinton in a statement released following Georges' death.

Georges was remembered by his Crimson peers for his passion, commitment and an unquestioned reputation as one of the most prolific staff writers of his time.

His friends say he did all this with an air of modesty and humanity that transcended all conventional definitions of professional and journalistic integrity.

"Chris was an incredibly gifted reporter and an even nicer guy," said Jeffery A. Zucker '86, executive producer of NBC's "Today" and former Crimson president. "I learned from him it's possible to be a gracious competitor."

Georges continued to achieve and impress his peers during his brief but prolific career as a professional journalist.

Between graduating from college and his untimely death, Georges worked as an intern at The Washington Post, a clerk at The New York Times, a reporter for CNN, editor of the Washington Monthly and finally as a writer for The Wall Street Journal's Washington Bureau.

Georges received national recognition for his work as editor of the Washington Monthly and as a writer for the Journal.

A story Georges wrote about investigative journalism which ran in Washington Monthly was listed by the 1993 Forbes Media Guide as one the year's "ten best." A piece he wrote for the Journal about welfare and HIV-positive children garnered a Pulitzer Prize nomination.

Chris's name was a staple of the 1984 and 1985 Crimson front page. His stories ranged from a six-part series on Harvard scientists to an eye-opening look at final clubs' tax records and everything in between.

Colleagues at the journal said Georges developed his skill and reputation as one of Washington D.C.'s best reporters through intense dedication and drive.

"It was an amazing experience working with him," said Journal Washington Bureau Chief Alan Murray. "He's somebody who worked at it and quietly accumulated the best skills in journalism from anyone and everyone around him."

As amazing as his journalistic career was, those who knew Georges best remember him first as a person.

"He was an incredible, relentless reporter and the kindest of human beings," said Mathew A Saal '87, a former Crimson executive. "Everyone who knew him at Harvard and after will miss him."

Those who knew and worked with Georges said they were amazed at his high level of quality and productivity in spite of the battle with lupus that he fought for roughly half his life.

Beyond his achievement and journalistic prowess, Georges' classmates speak of his sense of humor and charisma. Georges was selected by his class to deliver the humorous Ivy Oration on graduation day.

"That is the hallmark of Chris--his courage and grace and humor through an incredibly painful situation," said Kristin A. Gross '87, a former Crimson executive.

"He handled a terrible illness with unbelievable courage and grace every day of his life," Goss said. "He was, in an age of few heroes; he was my hero."

Contributions can be made in Georges' memory to the Chris J. Georges Scholarship Fund care of The Wall Street Journal at 1025 Connecticut Ave., Suite 800, Washington D.C 20036.

Tentative plans for the fund are to create a philanthropic legacy that might tie Georges' love for The Crimson and his love for the Journal.

Georges is survived by his mother and father, Mary and Jerry Georges of New York City, and two sisters, Gigi Georges of Washington, D.C. and Stephanie Georges Comfort of Denver, Colo.

The funeral will be held today at noon at The Greek Cathedral of The Holy Trinity in New York City.