Story and source ideas for journalists

Tsongas Center exterior
"Star Wars" weekend comes to the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell on Friday and Saturday.

01/14/2019

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

This is a notice of upcoming events, photo opportunities and story ideas at UMass Lowell. In case of inclement weather, call UMass Lowell’s weather hotline at 978-934-2121; if the university is closed, events are canceled. For more, visit www.uml.edu/pressroom

Sources of the week 

UMass Lowell faculty experts are available to discuss the government shutdown, including: 

  • The impact on small businesses and entrepreneurs; 
  • The potential effects of the stresses facing federal employees

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

Pizza Grill Inventor to Share Strategies for Business Growth

When and where: Wednesday, Jan. 16, 5:30 p.m. UMass Lowell Innovation Hub, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill

What: Lifelong inventor George Peters, co-founder of North Andover’s KettlePizza, will talk about the process behind developing the company’s custom grill and related products, along with the challenges he’s overcome to build his brand at “Idea to Opportunity: Creating a Viable Business.” The free event for entrepreneurs, small business owners and the public is the first in the 2019 Entrepreneur Development Series presented by the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub at the university’s Haverhill campus. Members of the public who would like to attend should email Stephanie_Guyotte@uml.edu.

‘Star Wars’ Weekend Fires Up Hockey Fans

When and where: Friday, Jan. 18 and Saturday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Lowell 

What: “The force” is sure to be with the UMass Lowell men’s hockey team at two Hockey East home games against the University of Vermont Catamounts during Star Wars Weekend. The first 1,000 fans to arrive at Friday night’s game will receive a bobblehead featuring Rowdy the River Hawk dressed as a Jedi. During Saturday’s game, characters from the film series will greet fans, who are also encouraged to attend in “Star Wars” garb. Tickets for both games are available at the Tsongas Center box office, at www.tsongascenter.com or by calling 866-722-8780.

Avant-Garde Artists Unite for Free, Interactive Exhibit

When and where: Tuesday, Jan. 22 through Tuesday, March 5. University Gallery, Mahoney Hall, South Campus, 870 Broadway St., Lowell. 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.  

What: The 404 International Festival of Art and Technology – which has been held at sites all over the world – has selected UMass Lowell for its 16th edition. The free event for the public and campus shines a light on the work of cutting-edge artists. Featured pieces will include a robot that reads a Twitter feed, a virtual reality tour of a Chinese monastery, a video “mirror” and more. Participating artists hail from Argentina, Canada, Korea, Taiwan and the United States. Members of the public who would like more information should email Deborah_Santoro@uml.edu

Awards Celebrate Individuals Carrying on Legacy of MLK Jr.

When and where: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 6 p.m. University Crossing, Moloney Hall, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell.   

What: UMass Lowell’s eighth annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Awards will recognize faculty, staff, students and members of the Greater Lowell community who exemplify the dream, vision and work of the late civil rights leader by demonstrating a high level of commitment to social change, service and community engagement. The event will feature inspirational speakers, student performances, art and more. Members of the public interested in attending should email Multicultural_Affairs@uml.edu by Jan. 23. 

Free Presentation Looks at ‘Modern Terrorism: Facts and Myths’

When and where: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 6 to 8 p.m. UMass Lowell Innovation Hub, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill.

What: UMass Lowell’s Innovation Hub in Haverhill will present a free program featuring internationally recognized terrorism expert, UMass Lowell Prof. James Forest. Forest, who teaches in the university’s School of Criminology and Justice Studies, is a senior fellow at the U.S. Joint Special Operations University and previously served on the faculty of the United States Military Academy. The event, “Modern Terrorism: Myths and Facts,” is the latest in the iHub’s Cultural Speaker Series. The iHub is located at UMass Lowell’s Haverhill campus in the heart of the city’s downtown and just a short walk from the MBTA commuter rail and public parking. Members of the public who are interested in attending should register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/modern-terrorism-facts-and-myths-tickets-54552533095.