Story and Source Ideas for Journalists

12/09/2013

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. 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 Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication.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 year in review in politics, culture, crime, terrorism, foreign policy and the economy and a look ahead to 2014;
  • Lessons learned from tragedy in Newtown, Conn., as the country marks the first anniversary of the shooting;
  • December’s job numbers, surging stock market and how the retail season affects the economy.

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

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Tree Public Tree-Lighting Event Celebrates Neighborhood

When: Monday, Dec. 9, 6 to 8 p.m.

What: All are invited to join the UMass Lowell community for the lighting a blue spruce tree in the outdoor courtyard of University Suites residence hall. The 8-foot tree, donated by the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, will be joined by two inflatable snowmen and other decorations that will bring holiday sparkle to the neighborhood. UMass Lowell mascot Rowdy the River Hawk will be on hand during the free public event to take keepsake photos with attendees. Free gingerbread cookies and cocoa will be offered. For $1 each, UMass Lowell students, faculty and staff may purchase a candy cane that will be delivered with a personal greeting to fellow members of the campus community. Proceeds will raise money for holiday gifts for young people connected to the Bridge Program in Lowell. The event is presented by the UMass Lowell Office of Residence Life.

Where: University Suites courtyard, East Campus, 327 Aiken 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

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Art UMass Lowell Artists Exhibit Work

When: Artists’ reception, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 5 to 7 p.m.; exhibit runs through Thursday, Dec. 19 at Dugan and University galleries. Dugan Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and evenings by appointment. University Gallery hours are Monday and Wednesday, 12:30 to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 1 to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What: This free, public show will bring together UMass Lowell seniors from the Bachelor of Fine Arts program who will display and discuss the artwork they have created in a variety of media through their coursework. The show will be on exhibit at both galleries on campus.

Where: Dugan Gallery, Dugan Hall, South Campus, 883 Broadway St., Lowell; University Gallery, McGauvran Student Center, South Campus, 71 Wilder St., Lowell

Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Leah Craig, 978-934-3491 or Leah_Craig@uml.edu

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Scholars Student Research Scholars Share Cutting-Edge Projects

When: Thursday, Dec. 12, noon to 1:30 p.m.

What: From exploring the impact of international trade on the labor market to developing better ways to train caregivers of children with autism, UMass Lowell students in the Emerging Scholars Program are at work finding solutions to society’s problems. Students, who conduct their research alongside UMass Lowell faculty members, will discuss their projects at this event. The program – offered to academically qualified juniors and seniors in the university’s College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences – provides participants hands-on experience beyond the classroom and a stipend for their work.

Where: Health and Social Sciences Building, Room 150, South Campus, 113 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

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String Local Schoolchildren Perform Free Concert with String Project

When: Sunday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m.

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.

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

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Paws River Hawks Howl for ‘Pucks and Paws’ Night

When: Friday, Jan. 3, 7:15 p.m.

What: The third annual “Pucks and Paws Night” welcomes man’s best friend to the best game on ice. Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to the River Hawks’ hockey game against the Clarkson Golden Knights. Pet owners may purchase seats in the arena’s Section 110 for $15 and $5 for their dogs, which will enter the arena through a special doggie door. All dog-ticket proceeds will go to support the Lowell Humane Society, which will showcase pets up for adoption during the night. Pet owners are required to purchase tickets in advance by calling 978-934-5751 and must provide proof their dogs have up-to-date vaccinations. Season ticket-holders may exchange tickets for their usual seats for seats in Section 110 at no charge with the purchase of a $5 dog ticket. Hydration and waste-management stations will be provided for pets. Dogs in attendance must be on a non-retractable leash and have current tags. Tickets are available through the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell box office, www.TsongasCenter.com or by calling 866-722-8780.

Where: Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Lowell

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