Amanda Jones
11 June 2015: University of Canberra Capitals star forward/centre Lauren Jackson and emeritus professor Peter Taylor were among a number of University of Canberra staff, students and alumni recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday honours.
Ms Jackson, a four-time Olympian, World Champion and Australian Opals and US Women's National Basketball Association player, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). She received this for her distinguished service to basketball, as a mentor for women in sport and as a supporter of a range of cultural and social welfare groups.
The 34-year-old, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Gender and Diversity at the University of Canberra, has been the patron of Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia since 2011, and is also patron of Aussie Hoops, a basketball program promoting sport for children aged between 5-10 and their families.
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Retired university maths professor Peter Taylor AO. Photo supplied.
"As a proud Australian, this is an amazing honour and one I am sure will become even more special over time," Ms Jackson said, who is currently recovering from recent knee surgery.
"I am hopeful this recent surgery is the final part of what has been a long process. I am really looking forward to getting back on court in readiness for the upcoming 2015/16 WNBL season with the University of Canberra Capitals, and being part of the Australian national team at the 2016 Rio Olympics."
Emeritus professor Peter Taylor was also recognised with a Queen's Birthday honour, appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to education, and to youth, particularly through the development of mathematical competitions and challenges for students, as an academic, and to professional learning associations.
Professor Taylor joined the University's predecessor, the Canberra College of Advanced Education in 1972. He spent 18 years as executive director of the Australian Mathematics Trust housed at the University, before retiring almost 41 years later in 2012. He was appointed an emeritus professor the following year.
Professor Taylor helped set up the Australian Mathematics Competition, one of the world's largest school-based mathematics competitions, after seeing the value of a similar program while as an honours student in Adelaide.
"The event was a success with every high school in Canberra participating. As the event grew, became national and then international I could see confirmation that we were adding value to mathematics teaching and learning," he said.
Adjunct professor Jane Halton was also made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her service to public administration, particularly to the health and aged care sectors, while distinguished alumna Patricia Cooper received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to primary education in the ACT.
A total of 22 current or former University of Canberra staff, students or Council members received Queen's Birthday honours. You can view the full list here.
