Medals and mentality, in Trieste the honorary degree was awarded to Julio Velasco

The University of Trieste today awarded the Honorary Master's Degree in Psychology to Julio Velasco , one of the most influential figures in international sport in recent decades, for the originality and coherence with which he has been able to integrate the principles of psychology into training, group management and performance culture.

This is the first honorary degree awarded by an Italian university to “Maestro” Julio Velasco, a coach who led national teams to win an Olympic gold and silver, two World Championships, five World Leagues, a World Cup and six continental titles including European Championships, Asian Championships and Pan American Games.

The academic recognition was promoted by the Department of Life Sciences of the University of Trieste, which has hosted a Laboratory of Sports Psychology for 25 years.

The ceremony took place in a packed Aula Magna, thanks also to the broad participation of the world of federations and sports associations - testimony to the extraordinary cultural impact that the coach from La Plata has had in his field and what he represents, in terms of image, mentality and innovation, for the entire Italian sports movement.

The event was opened by speeches by the Rector Roberto Di Lenarda , Luca Ubaldeschi , editor in chief of the NEM group newspapers, and Fabrizio Brancoli , deputy editor in charge of the daily newspaper Il Piccolo and events. All of them underlined, through the metaphor of sport, the human and cultural impact of Velasco's vision, capable of speaking to different audiences with simple and profound words.

In the motivation read by Prof. Ivan Donati , Director of the Department of Life Sciences, Velasco is recognized as a communication and management model that has been able to enhance individual and collective potential in the sports and organizational fields, promoting a culture of conscious, ethical and sustainable performance. His thinking has had repercussions far beyond the playing field, inspiring apparently distant worlds such as business, education and managerial training.

The laudatio academica of Prof. Tiziano Agostini , professor of General Psychology and director of the Laboratory of Sports Psychology, retraced an exceptional human and professional path: from the difficult years of post-dictatorship Argentina, to his arrival in Italy and the leadership of the “Generation of Phenomena”; then the return to success with national teams from three continents, up to the 2024 Olympic gold with the Italian women's national team. An example of how sport can become a space for growth, responsibility and cultural transformation.

"My wish," said Julio Velasco , addressing the students of the University, especially those studying Psychology, "is that you can not only successfully complete your university course, but above all be able to fully live what you have studied. Because the real difficulties begin after university, and that is where you need more strength. My wish, therefore, is that you can truly practice your profession, practice psychology, make it a living part of your life."

"With this award - stated Rector Roberto Di Lenarda - the University of Trieste recognizes the value of a figure of exceptional stature, capable of combining rigor, vision and human sensitivity. His thought and his example have had an impact that goes far beyond the world of sport: they have spoken to generations of enthusiasts, educators, managers, students and citizens, contributing to a profound reflection on the role of motivation, merit and trust in the growth of people and communities".

By awarding an honorary degree to Julio Velasco, the University of Trieste not only rewards a figure who, with his thoughts and actions, has been able to trigger important transformations in his field, but at the same time renews its commitment to sharing with the world of sport projects aimed at the well-being of people and the growth of young people by promoting the values ​​of education, human development and living together.