ACS Loses Respected Member
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A memorial for Professor John Hughes, a respected academic and active member of the Australian Computer Society was held this morning in Sydney.

Professor Hughes died suddenly at his home on Friday, 17th March.

The Director of the University of Technology, Sydney’s Institute for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). where he worked for 36 years, Hughes played an active role on the ACS Council for more than two decades.

An Honorary Life Member of the ACS, he was most recently the Board Director for Accreditation, Assessments and Appeals. Hughes made outstanding contributions to the ICT industry through not only his ACS activities, but for his key role in the education of under graduate and post graduate students at the University of Technology Sydney.

Hughes held numerous senior posts at UTS including Associate Vice-Chancellor to Dean or Acting Dean of almost every faculty. He was also a Visiting Professor at universities in New Zealand, and the UK and consulted to many ICT schools and faculties in Australian Universities.

Speaking at Professor Hughes’ funeral, ACS President, Philip Argy paid tribute to an industry colleague and a friend. 

“This is tragic loss of a wonderful person and an outstanding academic leader,” said Argy. “John was a tireless contributor to the ICT profession, and during his distinguished career he provided invaluable support to the industry, particularly in the education of ICT professionals.  His friendship, leadership, wisdom, wise counsel, sanity and down to earth approach will be greatly missed by everyone who worked with him.”

The ACS will pay tribute to Professor Hughes’ life and work by naming an annual academic prize in his honour by providing $10,000 to establish the “John Hughes Memorial Prize”, to be awarded to an ACS student member studying at UTS.

Twenty years ago Professor Hughes played an instrumental role in this writer’s entry into IT journalism. And while we have not been in contact for many years, his enthusiasm for technology and albeit brief period of mentoring will be remembered until it is my turn.