Story and Source Ideas for Journalists
02/20/2018
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 news about UMass Lowell, visit www.uml.edu/pressroom. Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication.
Sources of the week
UMass Lowell faculty experts are available to discuss:
- How the federal probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election – which handed up indictments of 13 individuals on Friday – is influencing Democratic and Republican politics in the run-up to the midterm elections;
- From the Women’s March to planned student walkouts to protest gun violence, how the country’s political climate is fueling a new wave of social activism;
- Research on athletes’ experience at the Winter Olympics, including a close-up look at the U.S. speed skating and cross-country skiing teams.
Contact UMass Lowell media relations if you need an expert source on any subject.
Portuguese-Americans’ Impact on Lowell Explored in Exhibit
When and where: Keynote remarks and exhibit opening – Tuesday, Feb. 20, 5:30 p.m. University Crossing, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell
What: Portuguese immigrants’ pursuit of the American Dream will be celebrated in the new exhibit “Immigration from the Atlantic Islands to Lowell: Continuity and Change in the Mill City’s Portuguese Community.” Spanning many of the 20th century’s political and cultural events, the exhibit will explore the achievements of Portuguese-Americans who worked in Lowell’s textile mills, along with a second wave of immigrants who began to arrive in the 1950s to seek manufacturing and high-tech jobs. History Prof. Robert Forrant will offer keynote remarks to kick off the show, which is free and open to the public. Forrant – named a UMass Lowell Distinguished University Professor for his outstanding contributions to the university – curated the exhibit with UMass Lowell students from Lowell and Dracut, along with other faculty and staff. The exhibit, which runs through Friday, March 30, is presented by the UMass Lowell Saab Center for Portuguese Studies and is supported in part by Enterprise Bank. Members of the public who would like more information may email Natalia_Melo@uml.edu or call 978-934-5199.
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
‘Shadow Days’ Concert, Jam Session Showcase Music Programs
When and where: Thursday, Feb. 22, 8 p.m., with a jam session to follow at 9 p.m. Durgin Hall, South Campus, 35 Wilder St., Lowell
What: UMass Lowell musicians will present “Join In!” a free performance for the public and prospective students who are visiting campus during the Music Department’s “Shadow Days.” The two-day event showcases the university’s programs for music majors, who may pursue concentrations in performance, sound recording technology, music business or music studies, which prepares students to be teachers in the field. The concert will include selections performed by UMass Lowell’s Blues Band, Saxophone Quartet, Brass Ensemble, Contemporary Electronic Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Percussion Ensemble and Party Band. Audience members who are musicians are invited to bring their instruments and participate in a jam session with the performers after the show. Free parking is available across the street from the venue. Members of the public who would like more information may visit www.uml.edu/FAHSS/music/News/shadow-days.aspx.
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
City’s Artists Mentor Students in Exhibit of Their Work
When and where: Artists’ reception Saturday, Feb. 24, 4 p.m. The exhibit runs through Sunday, March 4. Arts League of Lowell, 307 Market St., Lowell
What: The creativity of UMass Lowell art and design majors will be on display in “Burning Minds,” an exhibit hosted by the Arts League of Lowell (ALL). Mentored by league members, the students are learning about all aspects of exhibit management and how best to promote their works, which include paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures and graphic illustrations. Participating students are from Bedford, Billerica, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Hamilton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Leominster, Lexington, Lowell, Lunenburg, Methuen, North Andover, Townsend, Westford and Weston, along with Hampton, N.H. The artists’ reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. ALL gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Members of the public who would like more information should email Jennifer_Vivier@student.uml.edu.
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
Forum to Explore Challenges Faced by Individuals with Autism
When and where: Monday, March 5, 2 p.m. O’Leary Library Learning Commons mezzanine, South Campus, 61 Wilder St., Lowell
What: Jean Frazier, executive director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at UMass Medical School, will lead a free program for the public and campus community on the medical and mental health challenges faced by individuals with autism. The talk will include a look at how medical conditions can first appear as emotional or behavioral symptoms that can complicate the diagnostic process. How various psychiatric disorders may manifest in individuals with autism spectrum disorders will also be discussed. The event is presented by UMass Lowell’s Disability Studies Program and the Center for Autism Research and Education (CARE), which educates students and the public about issues relevant to the autism community and partners with local agencies to help improve the lives of those with ASD and their families. Members of the public should register to attend and may do so at www.uml.edu/Research/Autism/news-events/.
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209, Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
Emerging Technology Event Explores the Future of Biofuels
When and where: Wednesday, March 21, 6 p.m. UMass Lowell Innovation Hub, Harbor Place, Haverhill Campus, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill – Event rescheduled from Wednesday, Feb. 21
What: Hunter Mack, an expert in next-generation biofuels and a UMass Lowell professor of mechanical engineering, will lead a program that explores how the groundbreaking research conducted by the university is helping to transform the energy industry. The free event is part of the Emerging Technology Speaker Series presented by the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub in Haverhill, where entrepreneurs can grow their ventures while enjoying access to the university’s experts and resources to help guide their startups to success. The new iHub is the second for UMass Lowell, which also operates a location in Lowell. Members of the public who would like more information or wish to attend the program should email Stephanie_Guyotte@uml.edu.
Contacts for media: Stephanie Guyotte, 978-934-5560, Stephanie_Guyotte@uml.edu or Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu