Story and Source Ideas for Journalists
02/22/2016
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, events are canceled. 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 Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication unless otherwise noted.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:
- How the psychology behind winning helps shape the public’s fascination with the Academy Awards, which will be broadcast on Sunday;
- Walmart’s decision to give raises this week to 1.2 million of its employees and how that move fits into the retail giant’s business strategy;
- How and why leap years occur, as Monday, Feb. 29 approaches.
Contact UMass Lowell media relations if you need an expert source on any subject.
Ambassador to Portugal to Speak on Nation’s Relationship with U.S.
‘Broadway on the Merrimack’ Spotlights Classic Songs from Musicals
Acclaimed Artist to Explore How Animals are Portrayed in Creative Works
‘Mothers of Rock’ Concert Celebrates Women Performers
Influence of Latino Americans Explored in Free Program Series
Ambassador to Portugal to Speak on Nation’s Relationship with U.S.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 23, noon
What: U..S. Ambassador to Portugal Robert Sherman will present “U.S. and Portugal Relations in a Dangerous and Changing World,” a free event that is open to the UMass Lowell campus and public. As ambassador, Sherman promotes economic development and trade between the countries – particularly in the biotech and life sciences sectors – advances business education for budding entrepreneurs and strengthens Portugal’s engagement in NATO and international cybersecurity and counterterrorism efforts. The program is presented by UMass Lowell’s Saab-Pedroso Center for Portuguese Culture and Research, the International Relations Club and the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Where: University Crossing, Moloney Hall, 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
‘Broadway on the Merrimack’ Spotlights Classic Songs from Musicals
When: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.
What: “Broadway on the Merrimack,” a free concert that is open to the campus and community, will showcase the talents of the UMass Lowell String Ensemble, composed of university faculty and student musicians, and the UMass Lowell Opera Workshop. Selections from “West Side Story,” “The King and I,” “My Fair Lady” and more will be performed under the direction of John-Morgan Bush, a Music Department faculty member. Tickets are $15 per person and are available at brown paper tickets. Event proceeds will benefit scholarships and programs for UMass Lowell students studying string instruments.
Where: Durgin Hall, Fisher Recital 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, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
Acclaimed Artist to Explore How Animals are Portrayed in Creative Works
When: Wednesday, March 2, 5 p.m.
What: Performance artist and painter Vitaly Komar will present “Year of the Monkey: A Depiction of Animals in Art,” a free program that is open to the campus and public. Born in Moscow, Komar arrived in New York in 1978 and gained worldwide attention for his professional partnership with fellow avant-garde artist Alexander Melamid. In one of their most famous undertakings, the duo produced a series of paintings created by elephants that were later sold at auction to raise funds for the animals’ care.
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, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
‘Mothers of Rock’ Concert Celebrates Women Performers
When: Saturday, March 5, 7:30 p.m.
What: Members of the UMass Lowell community and the public will pay tribute to female songwriters and musicians from Etta James to Katy Perry during the 12th annual “Mothers of Rock” concert. Open to the public, the performance is free but donations will be accepted to benefit Girls Incorporated of Greater Lowell, which provides afterschool and summer enrichment programs that empower girls age 5 to 18. The event is presented by UMass Lowell’s chapter of the Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association.
Where: Durgin Concert 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, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
Influence of Latino Americans Explored in Free Program Series
When: Tuesday, March 8 and Tuesday, April 5, 7 p.m.
What: The history of Latinos in the United States and their contributions to American culture is the focus of a free event series presented by UMass Lowell Libraries and held at libraries on campus and in Lawrence and Lowell. During the Tuesday, March 8 program, “Prejudice and Pride,” Maria Matz, a UMass Lowell associate professor who teaches Latin American studies and culture, will lead a discussion about the labor movement led by César Chavez and the gains made by Mexican Americans in the 1960s and 1970s. During the program “Peril and Promise” on Tuesday, April 5, Matz will explore the rise of Latino American celebrities in popular culture. Members of the public interested in learning more may e-mail Sara_Marks@uml.edu or visit (http://uml.beta.libguides.com/programming) http://uml.beta.libguides.com/programming.
Where: Tuesday, March 8 – Pollard Memorial Library, 401 Merrimack St., Lowell. Tuesday, April 5 – Lawrence Public Library, 51 Lawrence St., Lawrence.
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu