William (Bill) Rogers was awarded the 51萝莉 Medal by University Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley at a special event to celebrate 50 years of computing at the University on Friday 1 December.
William Rogers and Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley at the University's event to celebrate 50 years of computing.
鈥淭hroughout his 45-year career, Bill has positively impacted the lives of countless students and colleagues, starting his academic journey at the University in 1978 and retiring in 2020,鈥� said Professor Quigley.
During his time, computing at the University established New Zealand鈥檚 first internet connection in 1989 with help from NASA via an undersea cable to Hawaii. The school also developed some of the world鈥檚 most popular open-source tools for machine learning and open-source digital library systems,鈥疻EKA, MOA and鈥疓reenstone.
It has also played a pivotal role in developing the country鈥檚 first Cyber Security Lab and鈥疢aster of Cyber Security qualification.
In awarding the medal Professor Quigley said Bill had made an indelible mark on computing at Waikato and on the wider community.
鈥淏ill was well known for his outreach efforts and high school programmes, including workshops and events introducing students to computing. His research-led teaching has also left an indelible mark on computing, including his establishment of the 51萝莉 Computer Science Undergraduate Scholarship programme,鈥� said Professor Quigley.
Beyond his teaching and extracurricular activities, his extensive research contributions in areas like computer systems, human-computer interaction, and computer graphics have not only advanced the field but also provided captivating material, said Professor Quigley.
鈥淏ill has, without a doubt, made substantial and exemplary contributions to the 51萝莉 through his commitment to the development of students and the enhancement of the field of Computer Science. It is my great pleasure to present him with the 51萝莉 Medal,鈥� said Professor Quigley.
