Story and Source Ideas for Journalists

03/03/2014

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. In case of inclement weather, call UMass Lowell’s weather hotline at 978-934-2121; if the university is closed, all events are canceled. Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication.

Sources of the week are available for discuss:

  • How to maintain healthy sleep patterns to counter the effects of Daylight Saving Time, which starts on Sunday;
  • How Russia’s military action in Ukraine could affect the economy.

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

TOP

Writer Award-Winning Writer-in-Residence to Present Work

When: Thursday, March 6, 6 to 8 p.m.

What: Award-winning novelist and playwright Laura Harrington, the UMass Lowell English Department’s Jack Kerouac Writer-in-Residence, will read selections from her work and answer questions from the audience during this free, public event. Harrington has written for the stage, radio, television and film. She received the 2012 Massachusetts Book Award in Fiction for her novel, “Alice Bliss.”

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

USMC Marine Corps Musicians Present Free Concert for Campus, Community

When: Thursday, March 6, 7:30 p.m.

What: The public and UMass Lowell students will get a rare chance to hear some of the world’s most accomplished musicians when the U.S. Marine Corps Jazz Ensemble presents a free concert of standards and original compositions. The group is part of the Marine Corps Music Program, which consists of 10 bands known as “the President’s Own,” which perform for heads of state, foreign dignitaries, military leaders and the American public. The ensemble asked to perform at UMass Lowell as part of its current tour. Before the show, jazz ensemble members will present a workshop for more than 350 UMass Lowell students in the university’s music performance, music business, education and sound recording technology programs. Tickets are not required for the show. Free parking is available across the street from the venue in the Wilder lot. Members of the public who would like more information about the event should contact UMass Lowell’s Director of Instrumental Music Outreach Debra-Nicole Huber at DebraNicole_Huber@uml.edu.

Where: Durgin Concert Hall, 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

Edge Career-Building Program Gives Student-Veterans an Edge

When: Fridays, March 7 and March 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

What: Student-veterans at UMass Lowell are learning how to translate their military experience into job skills and potential new careers in the life-sciences industry through Edge4Vets. Participants who complete the workshop series will earn a guaranteed interview for an internship from one of the program’s four sponsors: Covidien, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Fresenius Medical Care and Haemonetics. Mentors will help participants assess their strengths, develop confidence and make connections that will help them find career success after graduation. With a growing national reputation for success helping veterans land civilian jobs, Edge4Vets was developed by Tom Murphy of the Human Resiliency Institute at Fordham University. UMass Lowell is the first Massachusetts university to offer the national program. More than 1,450 student-veterans attend UMass Lowell, which is ranked among the most military-friendly schools in the nation by G.I. Jobs magazine.

Where: UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren 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

Mothers 10th Annual ‘Mothers of Rock’ Show to Benefit Local Nonprofit

When: Saturday, March 8, 7:30 p.m.

What: New England Music Awards’ Rock Act of the Year Sarah Borrello and Brother Bellow will headline the 10th annual “Mothers of Rock” concert, which will also feature musicians from the UMass Lowell community performing songs from generations of artists from Aretha Franklin to Lorde. The event will include a bake sale, raffles and prizes. Admission is free but donations accepted at the door will benefit both UMass Lowell’s Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association (MEISA) and Girls Inc. of Lowell, which provides enrichment programs to local girls. Members of the public who would like more information about the event should e-mail meisa@uml.edu or call 978-934-5084.

Where: Durgin Concert Hall, 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

Fair Jobs Event Brings Together 140-Plus Employers, Students

When: Wednesday, March 12, 1 to 4 p.m.

What: What do UMass Lowell graduates want out of their careers? What are employers looking for in college graduates new to the job market? UMass Lowell’s Summer and Beyond Career Fair will provide the answers when more than 140 employers looking to fill full-time, internship and co-op positions visit UMass Lowell for the 19th annual fair. More than 1,000 students are expected to attend to meet with representatives from a wide range of employers, from IBM to iRobot, General Dynamics to Green Mountain Coffee. The event is hosted by UMass Lowell’s Career Services and Cooperative Education Center. Note: The career fair is not open to the public but media members are encouraged to attend.

Where: Campus Recreation Center, East Campus, 100 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

Breakfast Leaders Gather to Develop Student Service Opportunities

When: Thursday, March 13, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. (Rescheduled from Thursday, Feb. 13)

What: UMass Lowell faculty and representatives of Greater Lowell’s service organizations will strengthen their partnerships during the annual Community Connections breakfast. During the networking event, participants develop existing and new service opportunities outside of the classroom for UMass Lowell students to enrich their academic studies and enhance their civic engagement. UMass Lowell students, faculty and staff donate more than 120,000 hours in the community every year. The university was named to the President’s Higher Education Honor Roll for Community Service for the fourth year in a row and holds the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s designation of community-engaged campus.

Where: Mark and Elisia Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center, 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