Story and Source Ideas for Journalists

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Clancy Martin, an acclaimed writer and philosopher, will deliver the keynote address during Convocation on Monday, Aug. 31. (Photo credit: David Fox.)

08/24/2015

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 stories about UMass Lowell, visit www.uml.edu/pressroom. Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication unless otherwise noted.

Sources of the week

UMass Lowell faculty experts are available to discuss:

  • The causes behind international stock markets’ plunge and what’s next;
  • Differing views on whether Vice President Joe Biden would make a viable presidential candidate and if U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren could appear on the ticket with him;
  • The state of the “Fight for $15” workers’ movement to increase the minimum wage and the history behind Labor Day.

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

Record Number of Students Move Back to Campus
Azorean Government Donates Book Collection to UMass Lowell
Convocation Launches Era of New Chancellor Jacquie Moloney
Exhibit, Film Shine Light on Prolific Artist Edward Gorey
Leading Medical Journal Editor Diagnoses U.S. Health Care System


Move Record Number of Students Move Back to Campus

When: Friday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m. to noon

What: A record number of students – some 4,300 – will move into residence halls as UMass Lowell prepares to start the fall semester with expanded course offerings and a host of campus improvements. Joining the university community is the largest-ever group of new students – more than 2,800 freshmen and transfers – who also boast the highest average SAT scores and the highest average high-school GPA in the institution’s history. From 10 a.m. to noon, students enrolled in UMass Lowell’s Honors College and others moving into living-learning communities will be available for interviews. Located throughout university housing, these communities enable students with similar interests and goals to live together and participate in programs that enhance their educational experiences.

Where: University Suites, East Campus, 327 Aiken 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

BooksAzorean Government Donates Book Collection to UMass Lowell

When: Friday, Aug. 28, 11 a.m.

What: More than 300 books, CDs and DVDs on Azorean literature, history and culture will be donated to UMass Lowell, where the works will available for loan and reference to researchers, students and the public. Paulo Teves, director for communities abroad for the Regional Government of the Azores – a group of islands off mainland Portugal – will present the collection to UMass Lowell Library Director George Hart and Prof. Frank Sousa, director of the university’s Saab-Pedroso Center for Portuguese Culture and Research. The donation will strengthen ties between the university and the Azores. In the early 20th century, many immigrants arrived in Lowell from the islands to seek work in the city’s booming industrial mills, giving rise to a thriving Portuguese-American community throughout the Merrimack Valley.

Where: O’Leary Library Learning Commons, 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

ConvocationConvocation Launches Era of New Chancellor Jacquie Moloney

When: Monday, Aug. 31, 10 a.m.

What: Convocation marks the first major event new UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney will preside over as the university’s leader, officially opening the academic year while welcoming new students into the campus community. Acclaimed writer and philosopher Clancy Martin will offer keynote remarks encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace educational experiences and opportunities.

Where: Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Lowell.

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

GoreyExhibit, Film Shine Light on Prolific Artist Edward Gorey

When: Film screening, Thursday, Sept. 3, 5:30 p.m. Curator’s talk and reception, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 5:30 p.m. Exhibit runs through Friday, Oct. 16. For University Gallery hours, see https://www.uml.edu/FAHSS/Art/Galleries-Exhibitions/

What: “E is for Elephant,” an exhibition of prints by world-renowned artist and writer Edward Gorey, will be on display and will accompany a screening of a documentary about his life. Gorey – whose animation for the opening credits of PBS’ “Mystery!” series introduced his work to millions of television viewers – illustrated his books and those of authors such as Virginia Woolf, Samuel Beckett and John Updike in a sometimes macabre yet playful style. The exhibit includes a sampling of Gorey’s etchings, original plates, memorabilia and other objects curated by Art Prof. James Edwards of UMass Dartmouth, who will discuss the collection before a reception highlighting the show. The film will be shown as part of September’s Downtown Lowell First Thursdays event, which encourages the public to explore the city’s cultural programs, attractions, shops and restaurants. The film screening, exhibit and curator’s talk at UMass Lowell are all free and open to the public.

Where: Film screening, Comley-Lane Theatre, Mahoney Hall, South Campus, 870 Broadway St., Lowell. Curator’s talk, O’Leary Library Learning Commons, Room 222, South Campus, 61 Wilder St., Lowell. Reception and exhibit, University Gallery, Mahoney Hall, South Campus, 870 Broadway St., Lowell.

Contacts for media: Deborah Santoro, gallery coordinator, 978-934-3491, Deborah_Santoro@uml.edu or Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu

Lunchtime Leading Medical Journal Editor Diagnoses U.S. Health Care System

When: Monday, Sept. 21, 11:45 a.m.

What: The well-being of U.S. health care will be explored by Dr. Howard Bauchner, editor of the Journal of the American Medical Association, during a Lunchtime Lecture event that is free and open to the public. Bauchner will discuss emerging policy issues as the country nears the second anniversary of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which some refer to as “Obamacare,” that mandates health insurance for all Americans. The Lunchtime Lecture series is presented by UMass Lowell and the Moses Greeley Parker Lectures with support from community partners.

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