Story and Source Ideas for Journalists

01/07/2014

This is a notice of upcoming events, photo opportunities and story ideas at UMass Lowell, compiled by the Office of University Relations, 978-934-3224. In case of inclement weather, call UMass Lowell’s weather hotline at 978-934-2121; if the university is closed, all events are canceled. For more stories about UMass Lowell, visit www.uml.edu and click on “Media” at the top of the page. Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication.

Sources of the week are available to discuss:  

  • The effect and science behind the polar vortex that is delivering record cold temperatures to much of the country this week; 
  • What a new Federal Reserve chairman – or chairwoman, if Janet Yellen is confirmed as the agency’s first woman leader – could mean for the economy in the coming year;
  • Some of the highlights viewers can expect from the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi next month.

Contact UMass Lowell media relations if you need an expert source on any subject.

‘Frozen Fenway’ Features UMass Lowell River Hawks 

When: Saturday, Jan. 11, 2:15 p.m.

What: The defending Hockey East champion River Hawks will play an outdoor game at “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” during the 2014 Citi Frozen Fenway. The team will face off against Northeastern University’s Huskies at 2:15 p.m. The contest will be followed by a second Hockey East game at 5:45 p.m. between the Maine Black Bears and Boston University Terriers. Tickets in the River Hawks’ fan section – which are valid for both match-ups – are available by calling 877-733-7699 or through (http://mlb.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/frozenfenway.jsp) http://mlb.mlb.com/bos/ticketing/frozenfenway.jsp. UMass Lowell fans will be seated along the first base line. Before the puck drops, beginning at 11:30 a.m., fans will meet at the Cask and Flagon on Brookline Avenue, where they may purchase official River Hawks Frozen Fenway fan gear. The first 500 fans will receive River Hawks scarves, courtesy of Bauer. 

Where: Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, Boston

Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu

Open House Welcomes Graduate, Online and Continuing Ed Students 

When:     Wednesday, Jan. 15, 3 to 7 p.m.

What:      Those interested in learning about UMass Lowell’s graduate, continuing-education and online programs will attend an open house that will introduce them to the university’s 39 master’s, 33 doctoral and more than 70 graduate certificate programs. New Ph.D. programs include global studies and criminal justice and criminology; new master’s programs are available in peace and conflict studies, autism studies, and innovation and technical entrepreneurship. Graduate program coordinators and other advisers will be available to discuss full- and part-time degree and certificate programs, online courses and project management seminars. Admissions, registrar’s office and financial aid staff will be available to answer questions. Attendees may register for classes on site. UMass Lowell’s programs are nationally accredited. 

Where:    UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren St., Lowell

Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu

Local School children Perform Free Concert with String Project

When: Sunday, Jan. 26, 3 p.m. Rescheduled from Sunday, Dec. 15.

What: The UMass Lowell String Project, comprised of 88 Lowell schoolchildren ages 8 to 18, will present a free concert for the public. Three ensembles featuring students playing violin, viola and cello, as well as the UMass Lowell Youth Orchestra will perform during the Winter Showcase. The String Project, directed by John-Morgan Bush of the UMass Lowell Music Department, provides instrumental music lessons to Lowell public school students with master teacher Donna Nagle and UMass Lowell student teachers. Through the support of UMass Lowell and 2013-2014 season sponsor Johnson String Instrument of Newton, the project plays an integral role in local arts culture and music education for children. Free parking is available. More information on the program is available at www.uml.edu/string-project.

Where: Durgin Concert Hall, South Campus, 35 Wilder St., Lowell

Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu

MLK Events Forward Civil Rights Leader’s Legacy

When: Sunday, Jan. 26 through Wednesday, Jan. 29  

What: As the UMass Lowell community returns from the semester break, it will honor and advance the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quest for social equality with events that embrace his legacy. Events will center on the topic “Until All Are Free.” The series is presented by the university’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. Events include:

  • Day of Service – Sunday, Jan. 26, noon to 3 p.m. Students will participate in a variety of public service activities, from packaging books to be distributed to children to writing letters to senior citizens. University Suites, Room 106, East Campus, 327 Aiken St., Lowell.
  • Oratorical Contest – Monday, Jan. 27, 7 to 9 p.m. Students will speak on the topic “Freedom for Me, Freedom for You” in this annual competition that this year will award $150 to the winner. Alumni Hall, North Campus, 84 University Ave., Lowell.  
  • MLK Celebration Dinner – Wednesday, Jan. 29, 6 to 8 p.m. Massachusetts Board of Higher Education Chairman Charles Desmond will be the keynote speaker at this event, which will include the presentation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service awards to a member of UMass Lowell’s faculty, staff and student body, and a member of the Greater Lowell community who exemplify King’s mission and his life’s work. Cumnock Hall, North Campus, 31 University Ave., Lowell. Reservations are required and may be made by contacting multicultural_affairs@uml.edu by Friday, Jan. 17. Cumnock Hall, North Campus, 31 University Ave., Lowell.

Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu

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