2008
Michael Vaughan OBE
Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of his outstanding contribution and commitment to international sport.
When Michael Vaughan, the world's best batsman (2002-03) resigned as England captain this year, he had won 26 of the 51 Tests in his reign. His leadership topped the record of Peter May 50 years ago. England secured the historic 2005 Ashes victory over Australia, beat the West Indies away for the first time since 1968 and won all seven home Tests against New Zealand and the West Indies in 2004.
Michael is widely admired for the mature, intelligent way he operates on and off the field at a time when sport is haunted by glitz and sleaze. Lancashire-born, he moved aged nine with his family to Sheffield and was recruited by Yorkshire from schoolboy cricket after the club had dropped its venerable born-in-the-county rule. He is an elegant opening batsman, and scored a tidy 1,066 runs in his first full first-class season. After a short break, he aims to concentrate on his batting for Yorkshire, and maybe earn a re-call as an England player. His commitment underlines his reputation as one of cricket's great ambassadors.