Story and Source Ideas for Journalists

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Gina McCarthy, Environmental Protection Agency chief during the Obama administration, will headline “Environmental Protection, Health Equity and Impact: Investing for a Sustainable Future” at the Inn & Conference Center Sept. 25.

09/04/2018

This is a notice of upcoming events, photo opportunities and story ideas at UMass Lowell. For more, 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 Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication unless otherwise noted.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: 

  • Outcomes in today’s Massachusetts primary election, including the hotly contested race for the Democratic nomination in the 3rd congressional district;
  • Back-to-school anxiety and how parents and other caregivers can help children adjust to new teachers, classmates and routines.

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

Largest-Ever Incoming Class to Become River Hawks

When and where: Tuesday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Lowell    

What: YouTube sensation and peace activist Ken Nwadike Jr., known as the “Free Hugs Guy,” will address UMass Lowell’s Class of 2022 – more than 3,200 strong – on the power of positivity at Convocation, which officially opens the academic year. UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney and student leaders from hometowns including Lowell, Saugus and Wilmington will welcome first-year and transfer students as River Hawks. The event will include a pitch contest featuring students in the university’s DifferenceMaker entrepreneurship program; the winners will receive seed funding for their project. 

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

Midterm Elections’ Impact on Nation to be Explored at Program 

When and where: Wednesday, Sept. 12, 6 p.m. University Crossing, 220 Pawtucket St., Lowell

What: How the 2018 midterm elections could shape the country’s future will be the focus of an event led by UMass Lowell experts on politics, business, ethics and health who will share their insights. Panelists will include John Cluverius, associate director of the university’s Center for Public Opinion and Erica Steckler, co-director of UMass Lowell’s Donahue Center for Business Ethics and Social Responsibility; and Amy Smalarz, assistant teaching professor in the university’s Department of Public Health. Tickets are $15 per person for the event, one in UMass Lowell’s Faculty Showcase Series, which benefits student scholarships. The event is open to the public; those who wish to attend should email Reja_Gamble@uml.edu.

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

Former EPA Administrator to Lead Free Event for the Public 

When and where: Tuesday, Sept. 25, noon. UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center  

What: Gina McCarthy, Environmental Protection Agency chief during the Obama administration, will headline “Environmental Protection, Health Equity and Impact: Investing for a Sustainable Future.” As EPA administrator, McCarthy signed the Clean Power Plan, setting the first-ever national standards for reducing carbon emissions from power plants. Before joining the EPA, she worked on environmental and economic issues in Massachusetts, where she advised the administrations of five governors. The first of this year’s UMass Lowell Lunchtime Lecture Series, the free event is presented in partnership with Moses Greeley Parker Lectures. Members of the public who would like to attend should email community@uml.edu to register in advance.   

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

Women’s Contributions to Workforce to be Celebrated at Event  

When and where: Thursday, Sept. 27, 5:30 p.m. Allen House, South Campus, 2 Solomont Way, Lowell    

What: Pioneering research by UMass Lowell that explores the shifting expectations and roles assumed by women on the job will be honored at a 20th anniversary event for the university’s Center for Women and Work. Faculty associated with the center are authorities on issues including the gender-wage gap, workplace diversity, overcoming the obstacles faced by women in a wide range of professions and more. The event is free but donations will be accepted. Members of the public who wish to attend should email Darcie_Boyer@uml.edu to register in advance.

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