For many students, AP Human Geography opens a new way of seeing the world. Questions about borders, migration, culture, and place become a way to understand how communities take shape and how people relate to one another. Dr. Alexander Murphy helped make that opportunity possible.
The Fund is proud to host the American Geographical Society (AGS) as they honor Dr. Murphy with the Cullum Geographical Medal, recognizing a career devoted to advancing geographical science and education. A longtime AGS councilor and faculty member in the University of Oregon’s Department of Geography, Murphy has made significant contributions to political and cultural geography while helping bring the field to a broader audience.
His influence extends well beyond the university classroom. In 1994, Murphy led the effort to establish an AP Human Geography course and later chaired the committee that developed its course structure and exam. That work helped create a pathway for high school students to engage with geography and gave educators a new opportunity to connect the subject to the world their students inhabit.
The medal ceremony will bring together AGS councilors, staff, and Teacher Fellows attending the annual AGS Symposium to celebrate those contributions. Brief remarks will reflect on Murphy’s career, followed by the medal presentation, acknowledgments from Murphy, and a short reception.
Held ahead of the Geography 2050 Symposium, the gathering will offer invited teachers and colleagues an opportunity to celebrate someone whose work has helped shape both geographical scholarship and the teaching of geography.
The Fund for the City of New York congratulates Dr. Murphy on this recognition and joins AGS in celebrating his lasting contributions to the field and to the educators and students who carry it forward.
🗓️ Wednesday, November 18, 2026
🕕 6:00 – 8:00PM
📍Fund for the City of New York – 121 Avenue of the Americas, 6th FL, NY, NY 10013
🔗www.fcny.org/drmurphy