UMass Lowell is Home to State’s Largest Student-Veteran Population
11/07/2014
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu
and Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
* Media Advisory *
Friday, Nov. 7
1 p.m.
What: In recognition of Veterans Day, UMass Lowell will host a flag ceremony honoring the more than 1,500 student-veterans who attend the university, as well as members of the community who have served in the military and those with local ties who are on active duty.
Approximately 100 people are expected to attend the event at UMass Lowell’s new University Crossing student-engagement center. Speakers are scheduled to include Maj. Gen. L. Scott Rice of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, state Sen. Eileen Donoghue, UMass Lowell Chancellor Marty Meehan and Lowell Mayor Rodney Elliott. UMass Lowell Student Veterans Organization President Michael Robbins, a political science major from Pepperell, will also offer remarks.
UMass Lowell has the largest population of student-veterans among Massachusetts higher-education institutions, according to Janine Wert, UMass Lowell director of veterans services, who will participate in the event.
The centerpiece of the ceremony will be the unfurling of a garrison-sized flag – approximately 38 feet long and 20 feet wide – from the third floor of the atrium-style lobby of University Crossing down to the first floor, where the event participants and audience will be gathered.
The event will also include performances of patriotic music by the UMass Lowell Marching Band and the honor guard from Air Force ROTC Detachment No. 345 at UMass Lowell will present the colors.
Following the flag ceremony, visiting dignitaries and university representatives will officially open a new lounge for student-veterans at the student center.
Where: University Crossing lobby, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell. Please contact UMass Lowell media relations for directions and parking information.