Margaret L. (McCulloch) Murphy was born (1922) and raised in Alameda County, California.
Margaret graduated with a B.A. degree from the University of California, Berkeley. She went on to graduate school at the University of Oregon where she earned her M.S. and Ed.D. Degrees.
Margaret was appointed to the faculty of San Diego State as Assistant Professor of Physical Education in 1955. She was married to Seward Murphy in December of 1956 in Alameda, California. They were both in their mid-thirties and resided in the San Diego area for their entire married life.

Margaret taught and was a productive faculty member in Physical Education for over 25 years. Among her duties was serving as Chair of the Women’s Physical Education Department from 1961 to 1965. She was rewarded with a promotion to the rank of Professor. She retired in 1981 and was given the title of Emeritus Professor of Physical Education. Margaret Murphy had a relatively short retirement, as she died in 1988 at the age of 65. In December 1988 her husband Seward Murphy and friends and colleagues of Margaret helped establish the Margaret M. “Robin” Murphy Scholarship at SDSU in her memory for undergraduate students in Physical Education (Kinesiology) with aspirations to teach physical education. Her husband Seward lived on until 2001 when he died at the age of 79.
- The number of scholarships awarded will be determined by the scholarship committee.
- The Margaret “Robin” Murphy Memorial Scholarship has a value up to $500.
- Must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.50.
- Open to undergraduate students majoring in B.S. in Physical Education (Kinesiology) with aspirations to teach physical edcucation.
- Renewal automatic if eligible.
- Undergraduate students must be enrolled at least full-time.
- Recipients must have financial need, as determined by the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
- To be considered, applicants must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) or the California Dream Act Application by January 1st.