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Tributes paid to 'east end boy made good'

Tuesday 5 October 2010

Tana Wollen

The pioneering work of the late education campaigner and former Cass School for Education board-member, Manuel Alvarado, was honoured in a poignant ceremony at UEL’s Stratford campus on Tuesday.

A high-tech performing arts studio used by teacher-training students at the school was renamed in Mr Alvarado’s honour, while a glass commemorative plaque marking the event was unveiled by his widow Tana Wollen.

A host of dignitaries including UEL Vice-Chancellor Patrick McGhee and Sir John Cass Foundation Chairman Kevin Everett paid tribute to Mr Alvarado’s work, much of which was devoted towards supporting access to education for under-privileged children.

Speaking at the event Ms Wollen said: "Manuel would have been absolutely delighted to have been honoured in this way.

"His first great love was music and the performing arts and he, along with many others, worked extremely hard at UEL to ensure that education here was funded adequately. In many ways this event represents the realisation of his dream."

Mr Alvarado, who was the former Head of Education and Training at the British Film Institute, was also renowned for his commitment towards advancing the cause of media studies as an academic discipline. 

Mr Everett revealed that he had campaigned tirelessly on behalf of local students, and rarely took no for an answer.

"He was a poor east end boy who made good through education. He had a tremendous passion for highlighting the benefits of education for under-privileged people because, essentially, he had come from the same environment."

Patrick McGhee said: "We are extremely proud of the Cass School for Education, and I am delighted to be able to honour Manuel’s tireless efforts to ensure students are able to reap the benefits of higher education. 

"The University of East London is a major force for social, cultural and economic development. The Cass School for Education lies in the heart of an area of enormous potential, and is a catalyst for change both locally and beyond."

The newly named performing arts studio at the school boasts a spring-cushioned dance floor, three practice rooms and a state of the art recording studio. It is primarily used by trainee teachers of dance, music and drama.

Mr Alvarado, who died earlier this year aged 62, was also a major figure in the development of media education in Britain and beyond. During his distinguished career Mr Alvarado was secretary of the Society for the Education in Film and Television as well as holding positions at a number of prestigious organisations including UNESCO and the BBC.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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