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 The University of New
South Wales is establishing an endowed Chair to recognise the enormous contribution made by John
Lions to the world of computing.
The Chair will be called The John Lions Chair in Operating Systems, and will
enable an eminent academic to continue the John Lions tradition of insightful and inspirational
teaching in operating systems.
The creation of the Chair will perpetuate the John Lions name, and new
generations of students will benefit from his legacy.
The University of New South Wales is conducting an appeal to raise $2 million to
establish the endowed Chair, and support is sought from individuals and corporations. Contributions
will be duly recognised.
Following the
generous donation of US$500,000 by Qualcomm Inc in September
2005 and $100,000 raised by USEXIX in 2006, the University has decided to create the chair in 2007.
The contributions received so far will allow the chair to exist for a minimum of five years.
Fundraising is continuing to endow the chair in perpetuity.
The position for the Chair is now open for
applications.
About John Lions
A visionary lecturer at the University of New South Wales, and the insightful
author of one of the world's most famous underground publications, Australian John Lions continues
to cast a large shadow across the stage of computing.
John's academic career began when he graduated from Sydney University in 1959
with an honours degree in Applied Mathematics. In 1963 he earned a doctorate from Cambridge
University before working in Canada and the USA.
Moving back to Australia in 1972 with his wife and young family, John took up
the position of senior lecturer with the University of New South Wales' Department of Computing. He
was promoted to Associate Professor in 1980, and remained a lecturer at UNSW until 1995, when ill
health forced him to retire.
During the mid 70's John had the inspiration to record the UNIX source code and
write an insightful and often witty commentary on the code in order to better teach his students
about programming.
Titled "Source Code and Commentary on UNIX Level 6", the manuscript was a
revelation to students. The book quickly gained a reputation amongst the programming community and
became the technical bible for students, hackers and qualified professionals throughout the
world.
However, the various owners of the UNIX source code over the years always viewed
the book as a threat to intellectual property and took steps to have the book suppressed.
This resulted in the book developing a life of its own by "going underground".
For almost 20 years pirate photocopies were made and circulated around the world. Owning, or more
accurately acquiring a copy of the book became a source of pride and status.
Finally in 1996 the book was legally published — and just in time, John was
seriously ill. Upon receiving a copy, John's face reportedly lit up, and he was very excited that
the book had finally been openly released and embraced.
John died on December 5 1998.
The passing of John Lions did not dim the affection in which he was held, and
former students Steve Jenkin, John O'Brien and Greg Rose approached the University to create a
chair in his name.
The Appeal
The University of New South Wales School of Computer Science and Engineering is
conducting a formal appeal to raise $2 million to establish an endowed chair — The John Lions Chair
in Operating Systems.
An Appeal Committee has been formed to assist in establishing the chair,
consisting of former John Lions students John O'Brien (Chair), Steve Jenkin, Chris Maltby and Greg
Rose, in addition to Paul Compton (Head of School), Gernot Heiser (Professor of Operating Systems)
and Luciano Ferracin.
The John Lions Chair appeal is supported by its Patrons:
Ken Thompson
Dennis Ritchie
Brian Kernighan
Bill Plauger
Peter Salus
Kirk McKusick
Rob Pike
Linus Torvalds
How you can help
The University of New South Wales is seeking support from the community to
establish The John Lions Chair in Operating Systems.
Financial contributions from individuals and corporations will be gratefully
accepted and the University will formally recognise all supporters in appropriate ways.
Tax deductions: tax deductibility in Australia and USA.
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