Story and Source Ideas for Journalists

08/26/2013

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 and click on “Media” at the top of the page. Please note that contact names below are for the media and are not for publication.

Sources of the week:

  • Middle East experts can discuss the political underpinnings of the strife in Syria
  • Climate-change experts and meteorologists can share their insights on the upcoming hurricane season and Farmer’s Almanac prediction for a bitterly cold winter.

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

Opening of New Student Residence Halls Ushers in Sweet, Suite Living

When: Friday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m. to noon

What: Two new residence halls await students moving in for the Fall 2013 semester. Riverview Suites and University Suites – the fifth and sixth new buildings opened by UMass Lowell in the past year – offer students new living choices and amenities. At the opening of Riverview Suites, the media can see the building and meet students in the university’s Diversity Peer Educator Program who will live there in a living-learning community. Living-learning communities, located throughout university housing, enable students with similar goals and interests to live together and participate in programming enhancing their educational experience. The Diversity Peer Educators program encourages students to become leaders in advancing positive social change. Riverview Suites will house 510 students in two- and three-bedroom apartments that include full kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms. Seminar rooms allow for gatherings and meetings, while a fitness center and game room will allow students to unwind and socialize. University Suites is also an all-suites building and will house approximately 470 students.

Where: Riverview Suites, 141 Marginal 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

‘Johnny Cupcakes’ Founder Shares Recipe for Business Success

When: Sunday, Sept. 1, 2 p.m.

What: Entrepreneur “Johnny Cupcakes” – whose real name is Johnny Earle – will share his vision for success with students, faculty and staff as the keynote speaker at the university’s launch of the 2013 DifferenceMaker Program. Earle began his hip T-shirt and accessories empire in 2001 from the trunk of his car. Today the brand – which incorporates a bakery motif in bold, graphic designs – is sold around the world. The DifferenceMaker program, founded just a year ago, expands students’ understanding of how they can think like innovators and become entrepreneurs themselves. DifferenceMakers has already awarded $25,000 in seed money to student teams using fresh ideas and an entrepreneurial spirit to answer contemporary business and social challenges. One venture, Grab A Bite, is an online marketing platform for restaurants that was recently featured at Mass Innovation Nights, which highlights innovations by entrepreneurs.

Where: Campus Recreation Center, East Campus, 100 Pawtucket 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

Era Opens on Division I, Field Name Contest Winner Announced

When: Monday, Sept. 2, 2 p.m.

What: It’s a whole new blue attitude. UMass Lowell will kick off NCAA Division I play as a member of the America East Conference when the River Hawks field hockey team takes on the Wildcats from Northwestern University. Before the game, the university will announce the student winner of the “Name the New Blue Field Turf” Contest. The festivities will take place at the Cushing Field complex, which has been updated for Division I play, including new turf for the field hockey and soccer/lacrosse fields, new LED scoreboards and a new drainage and irrigation system to ensure optimal playing conditions.

Where: Cushing Field Complex, North Campus, 275 Riverside St., Lowell

Contacts for media: Christopher O'Donnell, 978-934-2306 or Christopher_ODonnell@uml.edu or Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu

Creating a Legacy, Making a Difference is Theme of Convocation

When: Tuesday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m.

What: Chancellor Marty Meehan, faculty and staff will welcome the Class of 2017 and officially begin the academic year. The event’s theme, “Create your legacy. Make a Difference,” will be the topic of keynote speaker Waneek Horn-Miller, a political and social activist from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory and a former Canadian Olympian. Horn-Miller, who has appeared on the cover of Time magazine, works to strengthen the self-esteem of Aboriginal youth, encouraging them to pursue higher education and strike a balance between academic and athletic pursuits.

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

River Hawks on the Roof Builds Excitement for Campus Community

When: Tuesday, Sept. 3, 5 p.m.

What: The annual ‘River Hawks on the Roof’ event showcases all UMass Lowell has to offer students in terms of university life. The event is filled with food, giveaways, music and information about the university’s sports teams, clubs and other extra-curricular activities. Students will also be introduced to UMass Lowell’s “Mission: All In” program, which builds excitement and support for River Hawks teams and other student activities.

Where: East Campus Parking Garage, East Campus, Pawtucket Street, Lowell

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

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