Story and Source Ideas for Journalists

Nancy Bernardo exhibit
"Decorative Debris," an exhibit of works by artist Nancy Bernardo, will be on display in University Gallery until Saturday, April 21.

04/09/2018

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 Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication.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 Syria gas attacks and how experts view them as a form of state-sponsored terrorism;
  • The fifth anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings next week, including
    - Who perpetrates “do-it-yourself” terrorist attacks and why
    - Effective public education to help counter terrorism and radicalization
    - Cultivating more resilient communities that don’t overreact to threats.
  • Tax return tips and how filing at the last minute could help consumers;
  • Earth Day on April 22, including
    - How researchers are working to reduce the use of toxic chemicals in everyday life, manufacturing and household products;
    - How the EPA’s shift away from scientific oversight puts the environment at risk. 

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

Free Concerts Spotlight Noteworthy Talent, Musical Genres 

Where: Durgin Hall, South Campus, 35 Wilder St., Lowell

What: UMass Lowell’s student musicians, along with K-12 schoolchildren from throughout the community, will share their talents in free programs for the campus and public. Events include:

  • Jazz Ensemble – UMass Lowell music majors will play traditional and contemporary selections. Tuesday, April 10, 8 p.m.
  • The String Project Spring Showcase – Lowell public schoolchildren learning to play classical stringed instruments with the help of UMass Lowell faculty and students will demonstrate their budding abilities. Thursday, April 12, 7 p.m.
  • Percussion Ensemble – UMass Lowell students will perform an eclectic blend of selections. Tuesday, April 17, 8 p.m.

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

Nobel Prize Winner to Receive Honorary Degree

When and where: Wednesday, April 11, 2:30 p.m. University Crossing, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell

What: Shuji Nakamura, who won the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics for inventing energy-efficient LED bulbs, will receive a UMass Lowell honorary degree from Chancellor Jacquie Moloney before delivering the university’s annual Tripathy Endowed Memorial Lecture. Used in many products, LED lighting is more sustainable than conventional bulbs and is powering developing nations in new ways. Nakamura will discuss the invention as the keynote speaker at the event, which is named in memory of Sukant Tripathy, a renowned UMass Lowell chemistry professor, researcher and former provost and vice chancellor.

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

Educators Aim to Bring Hip-Hop, Social Justice to the Classroom

When and where: Wednesday, April 11, keynote address, 4:30 p.m. UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren St., Lowell

What: How hip-hop music helps shape the social, cultural and political beliefs of young people in urban communities will be the centerpiece of the UMass Lowell College of Education’s annual conference on teaching and learning for educators on campus and in the community. Bettina Love – an award-winning scholar whose research on the use of hip-hop in education is providing new approaches to teaching young people – will deliver the keynote address. Other sessions at the event will explore how to integrate social-justice issues into educating K-12 and college students. 

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

Service Project Unites UMass Lowell, High School Students - Event postponed until further notice.

When and where: Thursday, April 12, 9 a.m. University Crossing, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell

What: UMass Lowell undergraduates enrolled in the university’s writing courses will showcase their work to help Lowell High School students improve their writing and academic skills so they are better prepared to succeed in college. Several of the high school juniors involved in the program are expected to attend the event.

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

Earth Day Events Promote Sustainability, Civic Engagement

What: The Lowell Earth Day Celebration highlights UMass Lowell and community initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, the arts and culture. Free, public events include:

  • Fracking, climate denial and energy policy will be the topics of a forum led by scholar Anthony Ladd who studies how environmental controversies and disasters affect communities. Thursday, April 12, 11 a.m., O’Leary Library Learning Commons, South Campus, Room 222, 61 Wilder St., Lowell
  • African Community Conversation – UMass Lowell Greeley Scholar for Peace Tawakkol Karman will talk about her human-rights work in Yemen. Thursday, April 12, 11 a.m., African Community Center of Lowell, 155 Merrimack St., Lowell
  • “The Sustainable Urban University” – Ways to pursue carbon neutrality and adopt renewable energy and green building strategies will be discussed by UMass Lowell, University College Cork, Lowell and Boston officials. UMass Lowell has been honored for these efforts at the national, state and local levels. – Thursday, April 19, noon, University Crossing, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell

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

Holocaust Survivor Aided by Schindler’s List to Speak

When and where: Wednesday, April 18, 6:30 p.m. Alumni Hall, North Campus, 84 University Ave., Lowell

What: Holocaust survivor Rena Finder will share how she escaped Nazi-occupied Poland with the help of Oskar Schindler. A businessman credited with saving more than 1,000 people from genocide during World War II, he was the real-life inspiration for the film “Schindler’s List.” The free event, which is open to the public, is presented by the Catholic Student Union.

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

‘Decorative Debris’ Reveals the Beauty in Everyday Life

When and where: Exhibit on display through Saturday, April 21. University Gallery, 870 Broadway St., Lowell

What: “Decorative Debris,” a free exhibit of works by artist Nancy Bernardo, will be on display and open to the campus and community. Bernardo uses printed memorabilia from the early 20th century in her pieces to express the beauty of commonplace, everyday imagery. Gallery hours are Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members of the public who would like more information should email Deborah_Santoro@uml.edu.

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

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