Alumni E-Newsletter

Campus News

Edward Chiu Joins UMass Lowell as New Vice Chancellor for Advancement
After a national search in coordination with a search firm, the University has appointed Edward Chiu, an accomplished development professional with 14 years experience in higher education leadership positions, as vice chancellor for Advancement. Chiu, who was the associate vice president for Institutional Advancement at Providence College, began his new role on July 1.

UMass Lowell Breaks Ground on Advanced Technology Research Facility
On June 8, UMass Lowell broke ground on the $70 million Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center (ETIC), the first new building in the University’s expansive plan for growth. The 84,000-square-foot building, to be located at the intersection of University Avenue and VFW Highway, will be home to experts in nanotechnology, plastics engineering, biomedicine and electro-optics. Recognized as an international leader in advanced manufacturing, UMass Lowell will draw researchers from around the world to collaborate with faculty and students at the center, as well as work hand-in-hand with industry.

Engineering and Design Students Chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy for Prestigious Contest
The oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico from the biggest oil spill in the history of the United States is further motivation in the search for new and enhanced alternative sources of energy. Enter Team Massachusetts. Solar engineering students from UMass Lowell have joined forces with architectural students from Massachusetts College of Art (MassArt) to build an affordable, energy-efficient and attractive solar-powered home. The home will be displayed in Washington, D.C., next year as part of a federally funded effort to support the development of practical alternative energy. The U.S. Department of Energy chose Team Massachusetts as one of only 20 teams from around the world to compete in the agency’s next Solar Decathlon.

Two UMass Lowell Trainers Bring Expertise to Gulf of Mexico
As the devastating environmental effects of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill continue to mount, numerous agencies and thousands of individuals have volunteered to help with the clean-up.  Among them are two worker safety experts from UMass Lowell, whose skills are well-suited to the situation. David Coffey and Jimmy Smith are trainers at The New England Consortium, which provides health and safety training to workers in the region.  Based in UMass Lowell’s College of Health and Environment, the program is a collaboration with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).

May We Take Your Reservation?
When the University purchased the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Lowell last year, the plan was to transform the 252-room hotel into a multi-use complex that would help the local economy by attracting visitors to Lowell while providing housing for students. Since last August, the Inn has hosted more than 23,000 people at professional and academic conferences and housed 425 students during the 2009-2010 school year. The opening of 31 year-round guest rooms is another step forward, bringing people within walking distance to restaurants, shops and cultural venues in the city’s vibrant downtown business district.

For all the latest campus news, visit eNews.

Alumni News 

Alumni Tapped for Help With Recruitment Efforts
As the university continues to grow we are working to expand our recruitment efforts and attract more students from around the country and the world. Many universities engage their alumni in the recruitment process, and we would love to start! Your opinions on the value and excellence of your UMass Lowell experience is of tremendous value to us and will enhance our efforts to reach a broader audience beyond Massachusetts. If you are interested in volunteering and would like to become a member of our Alumni Ambassadors Admission program please contact Michael Belcher or call 978-934-3929.

Got Class Notes? Take the “Connect with Fellow Alumni” Challenge
Do you love music? Are you in the market for the latest in music technology? In the coming months, each time you enter a class note online, you’ll automatically be registered in our random drawing for a free iPod touch! The class notes section of our alumni magazine and on our Web site is great way to learn about what’s happening with your classmates and other UMass Lowell friends. Submit your class note now by filling out the submission form  with your name, class year and any relevant information. So go ahead, send us your news today, and you may soon be rockin’ to your favorite tunes courtesy of UMass Lowell!

Smith Hall and Fundraising Campaign
As the saying goes, “Out with the old, in with the new.” But in the case of a beloved landmark on campus, this adage rings bittersweet. In early June, UMass Lowell tore down Smith Hall to begin construction of the new Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center (ETIC). Still, all is not completely lost. As a reminder of campus history and to preserve the University, some of the bricks were saved with the hopes of incorporating them into the ETIC. Additionally, bricks will be available as part of the University’s gift-giving campaign. To this end, it will host a spring fundraiser, which includes a brick purchasing option, in addition to a special unveiling of the contents of a time capsule recently discovered in the cornerstone of the building. 

Details about the brick memory campaign, the time capsule and the fundraising event will soon be available. Stay tuned for more information. Alumni can contact Heather_Makrez, Associate Director of Programs and Alumni Services. 

Tap Into the Power of Network UMass
Join the UMass Lowell Alumni Online Community to network with other alumni, learn about upcoming events and discover what’s happening on campus.

UMass Lowell Rewards Visa Card
This Spring, take a break from interest payments! Take a vacation from interest payments with the Select Rewards Visa Card that offers 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for nine billing cycles!  Plus, you’ll earn one point for every net dollar spent anywhere Visa is accepted, whenever you use your UMass Lowell Rewards Visa® for everyday purchases or for that major purchase you’ve been waiting to buy.  Now is the time to apply!  With every Select Rewards Visa Card purchase, U.S. Bank will make a contribution to UMass Lowell! The offer ends 9/30/2010.

Upcoming Events

American Chemical Society Summer Reception  
Please join alumni attending the American Chemistry Society Conference and Boston area alumni as they honor and celebrate University leadership at an alumni reception on the Harbor. Monday, August 23, 2010, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Anthony’s Pier 4, 140 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA (free parking at the restaurant lot) 
RSVP no later than Monday, August 16 to 
Jacqueline Ledoux or 978-934-2236. Please reserve early. Space is limited.

UMass Lowell Plastics Engineering Golf Tournament Please join Jim Dandeneau ’80, co-owner of the Connecticut National Golf Club, and alumni, faculty, friends and industry partners in support of the UMass Lowell Plastics Engineering Department.
Friday, September 24, 2010, Connecticut National Golf Club, 136 Chase Road, Putnam, CT, 12:30 p.m. Box Lunch, 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start, Scramble Format

Dinner and awards ceremony immediately following tournament. Cost for a foursome is $500; individual player is $150. Please reserve early! For more information and to register with payment, please call 978-934-2236 or e-mail: Jacqueline Ledoux.

Check out all upcoming events.

Athletics

Women’s Rowing and Community Water Sports Programs Benefit From Boathouse Renovations
Women’s rowing at UMass Lowell has been elevated to varsity status as an NCAA Division II sport, thanks in part to recent renovations to the Bellegarde Boathouse as well as efforts to improve management and maintenance of the facility.  In May, the Bellegarde Boathouse was re-named the UMass Lowell Bellegarde Boathouse, a designation that reflects the University’s ownership and honors the Boathouse origins. Edmund Bellegarde was a Lowell resident and avid boater whose family still has strong roots in the community.

Program Highlight
Student Caller Phonathon Begins in August
Each year, a team of about 30-40 UMass Lowell students gather together in a room on the third floor of Wannalancit Mills to reach out to more than 70,000 alumni and members of the University community to ask for their support of the Lowell Fund, the annual fund of UMass Lowell.

Students will begin calling in mid-August and continue through mid-June, with time off during winter and spring breaks. Calls are conducted on Sunday from 1-9 p.m. and Monday-Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Last year, the Phonathon raised an impressive total of $530,050 from more than 7,000 pledges including alumni donations, which topped the charts at over $400,000 from more than 5,000 pledges.

Edward Chiu, vice chancellor for Advancement, says the student caller phonathon is an important component of the overall giving program at the University.
“We appreciate and thank the many donors who receive calls and support the University and our students,” he says. “The money raised during the phonathon directly affects their education and overall experience on campus. Through philanthropy giving, alumni make a positive difference in the lives of our students. We are grateful for all the work they do to help advance the University and its mission.” 

Andrew Heffernan ‘12, a second year transfer student and a plastics engineering major who participates in the Phonathon throughout the year, will this year act as supervisor and explains why he volunteers.
“I enjoy making the calls and working on the Phonathon because it gives me a chance to talk to alumni and find out what they’re doing,” says Heffernan. “Most people are happy to talk and love to hear what’s happening on campus, or in my case, what’s new and exciting in the plastics engineering department.”

“Perhaps most importantly,” he adds, “When people hear from students directly about the positive impact that their donations have on them and the University, they really appreciate it. I think it makes all the difference.”
Over the next few months, when you receive a call from one of these students, go ahead and ask for news about your favorite professor, what is the latest campus event, or how the season is looking for your favorite RiverHawk team. They’ll be sure to give you the scoop and thank you for making your gift to UMass Lowell.

For more information, contact the UMass Lowell Fund, or call (978) 934-2223.

For the latest athletic news, visit goriverhawks.com

Student Spotlight
Our alumni know a UMass Lowell education means more than just hitting the books. In our Student Spotlight corner we’ll highlight students who have taken advantage of the many unique educational opportunities the University has to offer. If you know of a successful student or student group willing to share their accomplishments and school-related experiences, please contact us at alumni_office@uml.edu.

We Want Your Feedback!
The purpose of this eNewsletter is to give our alumni timely updates on campus news and upcoming alumni events. We want your feedback! Please send us an email at alumni_office@uml.edu and let us know if we are meeting this goal or if you would like to see other information included.

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