The AAG Presidential Achievement Award was established by the AAG Council to recognize individuals who have made long-standing and distinguished contributions to the discipline of geography. Up to two individuals may be recognized each year.

2007
Laura and Jack Dangermond for their universally recognized creative force and long-time leading pioneering efforts in the field of Geographic Information Systems, and for their generosity toward many worthy social and educational programs in geography aiming to make a difference in the world.

James C. Knox for his extraordinary contributions to geography and the stature of the discipline through his prolific teaching, international research in geomorphology and paleohydrology, his mentoring of students, and his selfless service.

2006
Trevor Barnes for his exceptional scholarship on the quantitative revolution and for his substantial contributions to the understanding of the history of human geography, science studies, regional science, and economic geography.

Wilbur Zelinsky for his long and distinguished career in geography; for the influence of his publications across a wide range of topics in human geography; and for his early and fervent support for the incorporation of more women into the discipline.

2005
Donald W. Meinig for his extraordinary contributions to geography and the stature of geography as a discipline through his teaching, research, and writing.

2004
Bruce Alberts for his distinguished contributions to the discipline of geography through outstanding vision and administration of the NAS and for his support of geography within the National Academies.

Harm J. de Blij for his extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the discipline and for his longstanding contributions to the public awareness for geography both nationally and internationally.

Alan M. Voorhees for his exemplary professional career as scientist, educator, preeminent planner, and philanthropist, throughout which he has advocated for geography and has made significant intellectual and applied contributions, and for his dedication to expanding geography’s role in improving our world.