Story and Source Ideas for Journalists

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The influence of fado music on Portuguese culture will be explored at an event on Thursday, Sept. 29, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Saab Center.

09/26/2016

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/pressroom. Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication.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 benefits and drawbacks of the middle-school structure and whether a proposal in Boston that seeks to eliminate it to create six-year high schools will become a trend in education;
  • Whether automaker SEAT’s new car designed exclusively for women will find a market amid backlash that it drives stereotypes;
  • If Yahoo Inc. can recover from ongoing troubles, particularly after a data breach compromised more than 500 million users’ personal information.

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

See the Future of Robotics at Open House

When: Monday, Sept. 26, 6 to 8 p.m.
What: Robots that are changing the way people live and work will be demonstrated for the public, students, researchers and business professionals during a free event at the New England Robotics Validation and Experimentation (NERVE) Center at UMass Lowell. One of the nation’s most advanced robotics testing facilities, NERVE evaluates robots’ performance through a variety of means, including obstacle courses. Demonstrations will include “Valkyrie,” NASA’s 300-pound, humanoid robot; a solar-powered device that removes weeds in gardens designed by Franklin Robotics, which is based at the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub; and a free-roaming teleconferencing video kiosk produced by Ava Robotics of Boston.
Where: NERVE Center and UMass Lowell, 1001 Pawtucket Blvd., Lowell
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu

DifferenceMakers Launch Year of Entrepreneurship Education

When: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 5:30 p.m.
What: Since its start in 2012, UMass Lowell’s DifferenceMaker Program has engaged more than 20,000 students and young alumni in entrepreneurship education, awarded more than $100,000 in seed money for new ventures and helped establish thriving student-run businesses. Students interested in joining the program will participate in this year’s kickoff event, which will inspire them to think about starting a business or creating products and services that address challenges in business and the community. Throughout the coming academic year, participants will be guided by faculty, alumni and professional mentors and compete for funding in pitch contests such as the DifferenceMaker Idea Challenge. Speakers who will talk about the program’s aims and upcoming competitions are expected to include UMass Lowell graduate Glenn Morgan ’86, owner of SkyWorld Interactive, a web development company in Woburn; Joseph Hartman, dean of the Francis College of Engineering; and Digital Federal Credit Union President and CEO James Regan.
Where: University Crossing, 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

Free Event Sings Portuguese Music’s Praises, Effect on Culture

When: Thursday, Sept. 29, 5 to 7 p.m.
What: First performed in the taverns of Lisbon in the 1800s, the folk music known as fado has reflected transformations in Portuguese culture and society over the past two centuries. Characterized by haunting melodies and lyrics that evoke the lives of working-class people and a love of the sea, the genre and its impact will be the theme of a free presentation for the campus and community. Leading the program will be Rui Vieira, who will explore fado’s roots, how the advent of the recording industry in Portugal fueled the music’s popularity and how the genre became a lightning for the political dictatorship that ruled the country for much of the 20th century. Vieira directs the Portuguese Language and Culture Program at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, an international charitable organization that advances cultural, educational, social and scientific interests. The event is presented by UMass Lowell’s Saab-Pedroso Center for Portuguese Culture and Research.
Where: Mark and Elisia Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center, Perry Atrium, North Campus, 40 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

Concert Unites Community to Rock Against Racism

When: Thursday, Sept. 29, 5 to 8:30 p.m.
What: The Kominas – an acclaimed band known for its hybrid of punk, rock and traditional folk music – will headline UMass Lowell’s “Rock Against Racism,” a free concert for the campus and public that will raise awareness and celebrate diversity and inclusiveness. Formed at UMass Lowell in 2005, the Kominas have toured around the world and have won praise for their sound from a variety of sources, including Rolling Stone, MTV and National Public Radio. Joining them on the bill will be Saraswathi Jones, a Boston-based singer-songwriter, along with the UMass Lowell Gospel Choir and performers from Middlesex Community College. Representing a variety of cultures and experiences, the artists will discuss the meaning behind their music, share their views and answer questions from audience members during the event.
Where: University Crossing, 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

Manhattan Transfer, Take 6 Lead Master Class for Music Students

When: Tuesday, Oct. 4, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
What: Renowned a capella groups The Manhattan Transfer and Take 6 will present a master class for UMass Lowell music students, performing for them and teaching about such topics as vocal technique, song choice, touring and the rigors of the music business. Formed in 1969, The Manhattan Transfer is a quartet whose repertoire focuses on jazz and pop fusion styles. The sextet Take 6 came together more than a generation later to celebrate gospel and contemporary rhythm and blues genres. The two groups often tour together and have more than 15 Grammy Awards between them. NOTE: This event is not open to the public but media are invited to attend.
Where: Durgin 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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