Story and Source Ideas for Journalists
10/16/2017
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 news 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 Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication.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 issues and emotions raised by Harvey Weinstein’s alleged sexual harassment of women, including the #MeToo movement that has emerged on social media;
- What happens to health care and insurers now that President Trump has taken steps to end federal subsidies;
- What it means for the U.S. and the rest of the world if the Iran nuclear deal collapses.
Contact UMass Lowell media relations if you need an expert source on any subject.
Acclaimed Brazilian Poet to Share Work, Creative Process
When and where: Wednesday, Oct. 18, 12:30 p.m. Allen House, South Campus, 2 Solomont Way, Lowell
What: Acclaimed as Brazil’s leading writer, poet and lyricist, Salgado Maranhao will talk about what inspires him and read from his work at a free, public event. The winner of Brazil’s Jabuti Prize and Academy of Letters Poetry Prize, he has published 10 books and written and recorded songs with some of the country’s leading jazz and pop musicians. The program is presented by the UMass Lowell Saab Center for Portuguese Studies, which advances the study and appreciation of Portuguese culture, language and literature. Members of the public who would like more information about the event should contact the center at 978-934-5199.
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
Climate Action Leaders to Headline University Teach-In
When and where: Thursday, Oct. 19, 4 p.m. Cumnock Hall auditorium, North Campus, 31 University Ave., Lowell
What: Carl Spector, commissioner of the city of Boston’s Environment Department, and Vanessa Rule, founder of the renewable energy-focused nonprofit Mothers Out Front, will headline the annual David Lustick Climate Change Teach-In. The program for UMass Lowell students, faculty, staff and members of the public aims to inspire the campus and community to work to achieve carbon neutrality. This year’s theme is “Building Communities for Climate Action.” UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney is scheduled to speak and interactive simulations demonstrating the potential consequences of climate change will be presented. The event, named for College of Education Prof. David Lustick, whose work focused on teaching students and the community about climate science, is presented by UMass Lowell’s Climate Change Initiative and committee working on the university’s Climate Change Plan. Members of the public who would like to attend the free program should register at www.uml.edu/Research/Climate-Change/Teach-In-Registration-Form.aspx.
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
Upstart Video Game Developer Talks About Industry’s Evolution
When and where: Thursday, Oct. 19, 4 p.m. Ball Hall, Room 214, North Campus, 185 Riverside St., Lowell
What: Award-winning video game entrepreneur Andy Gavin – the developer of the Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter games that have sold more than 40 million units worldwide – will reflect on the decisions he’s made and the lessons he’s learned since he launched his company Naughty Dog Inc. at age 15. Gavin’s talk will highlight how the industry has evolved since the 1980s and will take a look at what’s next. Presented by UMass Lowell’s Computer Science Department, the event is free and open to the public. Members of the public who would like more information about the event should email Holly_Yanco@uml.edu.
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
Basketball Game Teaches Students About Physical Mobility
When and where: Friday, Oct. 20, 5 p.m. Campus Recreation Center, East Campus, 292 Aiken St., Lowell
What: UMass Lowell physical therapy and exercise physiology majors will gain firsthand experience in what it means to rely on a wheelchair for independent mobility when they compete in a basketball game against the New England Blazers of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. A celebration of sportsmanship and skill, the event is open to the public and presented by the student-led UMass Lowell Physical Therapy Club. Admission is $3 at the door and proceeds benefit the New England Blazers.
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
Fall Career Fair Links Employers with UMass Lowell Students
When and where: Wednesday, Oct. 25, 4 to 7 p.m. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Lowell
What: UMass Lowell’s Fall Career Fair will introduce 200 employers to more than 1,200 students looking for full-time jobs after graduation or seeking real-world experience through internships and co-op positions. Recruiters, many of whom are alumni returning to campus, will be available to talk about the value of UMass Lowell-educated job candidates. Students seeking jobs will be available to discuss their objectives in participating in the career fair. Ninety-five percent of UMass Lowell grads are either employed full time or pursuing a graduate degree within a year of receiving their diplomas. UMass Lowell tops all New England public research universities for the starting and mid-career salaries earned by graduates, according to PayScale.com, which also ranks UMass Lowell in the top 25 in the nation in both categories. Presented by the UMass Lowell Career and Co-op Center, the event is one of many ways the center prepares students for professional success. Note: The event is not open to the public but members of the media are invited to cover it.
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
Project to Reduce Childhood Asthma Featured at Public Forum
When and where: Wednesday, Oct. 25, 5 p.m., UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren St., Lowell
What: UMass Lowell’s Healthy Homes Project, which has seen tremendous success in reducing childhood asthma in Lowell by providing education and intervention techniques to local families will be featured at the forum, “What Does Housing Have to do with Health?” David Turcotte, the UMass Lowell research professor who heads the program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will speak at the event, which is presented by Community Teamwork Inc. as part of its “Community Conversation” series. Members of the public who would like more information or to register for the free event should do so at www.commteam.org/conversations or call 978-654-5628.
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Julia Ripa, Community Teamwork communications manager, 978-654-5628, jripa@commteam.org.