Ball

Geoffrey Roy Ball

Geoff Ball was presented with his award at a function on Thursday 24 September 1992 at the Art Gallery, Wentworth Building, University of Sydney. The function was presided by University Vice Chancellor Professor Don McNicol, and Head of the School of Mathematics and Statistics Professor Gus Lehrer.

In Peter O'Halloran's citation speech he noted that Geoff was the present Director of First and Second Year Studies within the the School of Mathematics and Statistics. He noted Geoff had made an outstanding contribution to the enrichment of mathematics learning in New South Wales and throughout Australia. He has been

1. The AMOC State Director for New South Wales since 1983.
2. Deputy Team Leader of the Australian International Mathematical Olympiad Team for the seven years from 1983 to 1989.
3. Director of Training for the selection of the Australian IMO team for four years.
4. Coordinator of the University of Sydney's ex-IMO team members -- there have been 17 such students at the University of Sydney, many achieving University Medals in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science.
5. Convenor of the Mathematics Association of NSW's Mathsearch Programme for 7 years until 1991.
6. Joint Organiser of the University of Sydney Mathematics Enrichment Programme for 9 years.
7. Member of the Australian Mathematics Competition Problems Committee in 1981 and 1982.

As a later note, after Geoff later retired from the University of Sydney and handed over the Director of Training role to Bill Palmer, Geoff continued through 2012 as principal coordinator of the training of NSW students.