50 years teaching history at the same school and still going strong at age 77

When J. Murray Murdoch first began teaching at Cedarville University, Lyndon B. Johnson was president, gas was about $.30 a gallon and “The Sound of Music” made its premier.

Much has changed in the world since then. Except for Murdoch. Once a teacher, always a teacher.

“I’ve slowed down but my passion has always been the classroom,” said the 77-year-old Murdoch, who recently began his 50th year with the Greene County school. “Young people keep you young. They energize me. I really care for them. I love to talk to them.”

Murdoch has lots to say. It’s not surprising since he has seen so much. During his tenure, the United States has had nine presidents and gone to war several times while putting men on the moon.

It’s a first-hand perspective he has been able to share in the classroom.

“The 60’s really were a decade that changed America in so many ways,” Murdoch said. “And I experienced half of it at Northwestern where I got my PhD and the other half of it right here on Cedarville’s campus.” ...