John Lions Chair
About John Lions
A visionary lecturer at »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Australia, 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 »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ Australia's Department of Computing. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1980, and remained a lecturer at »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ until 1995, when ill health forced him to retire.
During the mid-70s 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.
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The Appeal Committee assists in ensuring the continuation of the chair.
The John Lions Chair appeal is supported by its Patrons:
- Ken ThompsonÌý
- Brian KernighanÌý
- Bill PlaugerÌý
- Peter SalusÌý
- Kirk McKusickÌý
- Rob PikeÌý
- Linus Torvalds
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from individuals and corporations are gratefully accepted and the University will formally recognise all supporters in appropriate ways.
Tax deductibility is available in Australia and USA.
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»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ is pleased to present the names of those individuals and organisations who have given so generously to the establishment of The John Lions Endowed Chair:
Major Donors
- Ìý
- Computer Science and Engineering, »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ
Corporations
- Peter Harding & AssociatesÌý
- Vodafone Network Pty LtdÌý
- Whitesmiths Pty LtdÌý
- Westpac
Alumni & Friends
- Jeffery BarkerÌý
- Peter HardingÌý
- R G HawkinsÌý
- Gernot HeiserÌý
- Steve JenkinÌý
- Chris MaltbyÌý
- Graham McMahonÌý
- Akira & Nobue NakamuraÌý
- Gregory RoseÌý
- Peter Salus
»Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ appreciates the support from many others, some of whom wish to remain anonymous and others who are currently being contacted by the committee before being identified.
The John Lions Garden
In 2002, »Ê¹Ú²ÊƱ dedicated the John Lions Garden in front of theÌýComputer Science and Engineering building to Lions' memory. This garden was officially dedicated to John Lions by the Vice-Chancellor Professor John Niland, in the presence of his widow Mrs Marianne Lions, 26 June 2002.
