Story and Source Ideas for Journalists

08/25/2014

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. For more stories about UMass Lowell, visit our Press Room. Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication.

Sources of the week
UMass Lowell faculty experts are available to discuss:

  • The future of the Market Basket supermarket chain and the struggle for control of the business;  
  • The global terror threat posed by ISIS;
  • Labor Day’s significance and the state of union and non-union workers today.

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

Opening Week Programs Inspire New, Returning Students

When: Friday, Aug. 29 through Tuesday, Sept. 2 

What: Power-tool-wielding engineer and television host Deanne Bell and the entrepreneur behind the “Johnny Cupcakes” brand will headline a variety of Opening Week events and programs for UMass Lowell students. Events include:

  • Student move-in day, Friday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m. to noon – Students in living-learning communities moving into residence halls will be available for interviews. Located throughout university housing, living-learning communities allow students with similar interests and goals to live together and participate in programs that enhance their educational experiences. Business, pre-med and creative arts majors are among those who live in these communities. Fox Hall, East Campus, 100 Pawtucket St., Lowell.
  • Entrepreneur cooks up excitement, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2:30 p.m. – Johnny Earle, who launched his worldwide “Johnny Cupcakes” apparel and accessories brand out of the trunk of his car, will help introduce first-year students to UMass Lowell’s DifferenceMaker Program, which teaches them entrepreneurial skills to tackle business and social challenges on campus and in the community, and through its annual Idea Challenge, awards thousands in seed money to student startups. Campus Recreation Center, East Campus, 100 Pawtucket St., Lowell.
  • Convocation, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 10 a.m. – Bell will welcome the Class of 2018 with a keynote address alongside UMass Lowell Chancellor Marty Meehan, faculty and staff. A science educator, Bell has hosted the PBS children’s show “Design Squad,” appeared on the National Geographic and Discovery channels and DIY Network, and has worked in jobs developing military aircraft and software. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, East Campus, 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

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State Representative Candidates Square Off in Debate

When: Thursday, Sept. 4, 6:30 p.m.

What: Political hopefuls vying for the 18th Middlesex District seat in the state House of Representatives will discuss the issues and their candidacy before the public. Candidates expected to attend include Democrats Brian Donovan, James Leary, Rady Mom, David Ouellette and Paul Ratha Yem, who is running a sticker campaign. The winner of the Sept. 9 primary will face unenrolled candidate Fred Bahou for the chance to fill the post vacated by former state representative Kevin Murphy when he became Lowell’s city manager. The free event is sponsored by UMass Lowell’s Center for Public Opinion and The Sun newspaper.

Where: University Crossing, Moloney Hall, 220 Pawtucket 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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Constitution Day Explores Landmark Supreme Court Rulings

When: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 12:30 p.m.

What: The impact of U.S. Supreme Court’s 2014 decisions on religion and free speech will be discussed by UMass Lowell political science faculty members Morgan Marietta – author of “A Citizen’s Guide to the Constitution and the Supreme Court” – and Patricia Sullivan Talty as the nation observes Constitution Day. Topics will include the relevance of rulings on corporations’ religious freedoms (Burwell v. Hobby Lobby), the right to protest outside clinics (McCullen v. Coakley) and the role of prayer at municipal meetings (Town of Greece v. Galloway). The event, which will include a question-and-answer session, is free and open to the public.

Where: O’Leary Library Learning Commons, Room 222, South Campus, 61 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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Elizabeth Warren to Share Her Story with Campus, Community

When: Friday, Sept. 19, noon

What: U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren will be the inaugural speaker in UMass Lowell’s new series featuring notable authors when she discusses her book, “A Fighting Chance” during a free program for the public and campus. A New York Times bestseller, the memoir shares Warren’s journey from her childhood in small-town Oklahoma to her career in public service. Signed books will be available for sale during the event at the River Hawk Shop, UMass Lowell’s flagship bookstore at the new University Crossing student center.

Where: University Crossing lobby, 220 Pawtucket 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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‘Orange is the New Black’ Author to Speak at Free Public Event

When: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m.

What: Writer and activist Piper Kerman – whose memoir, “Orange is the New Black” inspired the critically acclaimed Netflix series – will talk about the book, discuss prison reform and social justice and take questions from the audience during this second installment of UMass Lowell’s author series. Free and open to the public, no tickets are required to attend the event. Following her talk, Kerman will sign copies of “Orange is the New Black” in the River Hawk Shop. The Netflix adaptation of the book took home three Creative Arts Emmys on Saturday and tonight is up for nine other Emmys, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Lead Actress in a Comedy, along with writing and directing honors.

Where: University Crossing, Moloney Hall, 220 Pawtucket 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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