Two leading figures in the world of basketball will join the University of Worcester’s College of Fellows at this year’s March graduation ceremony.
Mick Donovan MBE and Professor Alejandro Vaquera have both accepted prestigious Fellowships recognising their long-standing contributions to the sport and to the University.
Mick Donovan, a highly respected sports educator and innovator, has been a central figure in Worcester’s basketball story. As co-founder of the Worcester Wolves Basketball Club, his influence has shaped both the programme at the University and the wider community for more than two decades.
He will accept his Fellowship alongside Professor Alejandro Vaquera, Visiting Basketball Fellow at the University of Worcester and Professor of the University of Leon in Spain who has supported basketball development at Worcester since 2011.
“When I learned I’d been offered the Fellowship, I was thrilled,” said Mick, who retired from his position as Pro Vice Chancellor (Partnerships) last year. “This is an opportunity to continue some of the work I’ve been doing for the last 26 years.”
“As a Fellow, I’ll be looking at the strengths of the University and looking at ways I can help with a different hat on,” he continued. “In the past I’ve been leading, but now I’ll be supporting by using my contacts and expertise to strengthen the basketball programme.”
He added: “In the past we’ve done great things, but you’ve always got to look to the future to see how you can improve things.”
Professor Vaquera said: “I was so shocked to learn I had been made a Fellow. It’s a big distinction and I never expected to achieve this when I started back in 2011, teaching and researching. I’m very grateful and honoured to receive this.”
“This will make my relationship with the University of Worcester even stronger,” he continued. “From the moment I first came to Worcester my relationship with the University has changed and developed so much, and we’ve always looked for more ways to work together to support from the outside with my international approach.”
Over the years, Mick and Alejandro have formed a close bond as they worked to elevate basketball in Worcester and create new opportunities for players. Mick still vividly remembers one of the most extraordinary nights in Wolves history, a BBL Play-Off semi-final at the University of Worcester Arena with a place at the O2 at stake.
“We were starting at a 19-point deficit after losing the first leg to Newcastle Eagles,” he said. “Everyone thought it was impossible, the gap was so big. Alejandro came over from Spain and worked with the team every single day up to the match.”
He continued: “On the night of the second leg, the arena was packed. People came, but honestly, most of them didn’t think we had a hope, 19 points is a mountain. But by full time, the Wolves had wiped the deficit completely, tying the score and taking the game to overtime.”
The Wolves would ultimately fall just short in extra time, but it was still a remarkable and memorable night for Mick and Alejandro. “With five seconds to go, the scores were tied,” said Mick. “It was nearly the boys’ dream!”
Receiving their Fellowships on the same day means a great deal to both Mick and Alejandro.
“To be part of this celebration on the same day as Mick is a gift to me, and it makes me even more proud,” said Alejandro.
Mick added: “I cannot think of anyone I’d rather share the day with than Alejandro.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]