Monday, February 26, 2007

News Update 2/26/07

On Campus
Meehan Speaks on Iraq- This afternoon, Congressman Marty Meehan, who graduated from the UML Political Science program, will be presenting his views on the situation in Iraq. The event is open to all students on campus, and questions are encouraged. Meehan, who has always played a very active role in the University community, has also recently been named one of the candidates for school chancellor.

Distance Team Races to Top- UML's distance medley track team recently placed fourth, setting a school record at 11 minutes and 56.31 seconds. The team went on for the NCAA qualifying match, with results TBA.

Local News
Fire at Franco American School- Over 300 students get an early vacation this week at the Franco American school, located on Pawtucket Street. Over the weekend, a fire started in a second floor closet, quickly destroying a computer lab, spreading to a nearby classroom and causing smoke damage. Firefighters got control of the blaze after only half an hour, and no one was in the building at the time of the fire. Investigators are still looking for a cause.

Man Fined for Housing Drugs- Kevin McIver was recently ordered by a judge to forfeit $200,000 and pay a $10,000 fine for housing marijuana in his warehouse in Billerica. From 2002 to 2004, McIvers allowed his warehouse to be used in offloading truckloads of marjuana. He spent three months in jail and will now remain under house arrest for three years.

Popular News
Academy Award Results- For everyone out there who missed the Academy Awards, here are some of the highlights. "The Departed" won Best Motion Picture of the Year, Achievement in Directing, Achievement in Filming, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Pan's Labyrinth also received a number of awards, including Achievement in Art Direction, Achievement in Cinematography, and Achievement in Makeup. As expected, Helen Mirren won for best actress, and Forest Whitaker won best actor for his role in "The Last King of Scotland."

Razzie Awards- To counter the glitz and glam of the Oscars, we have the Golden Raspberry Awards, which award the worst of Hollywood. This year, the Razzie award for worst actress went to Sharon Stone for her work in "Basic Instinct 2." M. Night Shyamalan won both worst director and worst supporting actor for his work in "Lady in the Water." Robin William's movie, "RV" won the award for worst excuse for family entertainment.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Campus News

The Independant University Alumni Association gave away $125,000 in scholarships in grants this past week at an awards banquet at Princeton Station. Among these awards is the prestigious Alumnus Award, which this year was given to Dr. Robert S. Smith. Dr. Smith graduated from Lowell Technical Institute in 1961 in its first graduating class of mechanical engineers. He then worked at Army Quartermaster Research and Development Center where he became the youngest laboratory director in the center's history at 40. He retired from the Army Natick Laboratories at 48 and worked at reasearch jobs subsequently.


The Office of Student Activities and Multicultural Affairs, The Council on Diversity and Pluralism, and the Association of Students of African Origin are offering several events on campus in honor of Black History Month. These events will be concluded on Wednesday, February 28th with "A Night of Soul," a night of music, poetry, and thoughts in Fox Hall on East Campus.

Local News

A former executive at a trust fund firm has allegedly laundered 58 million dollars from the descendants of a 19th century local mill owner. The descendants of Fredrick Ayer have filed a civil suit against the firm, which the accused is said to have spent on private jets and upscale condominiums. The former executive, his wife, his son, his mistress, and several of his extended family members are listed as defendants in the case. The family members allege that his high status at the firm was how he gained access to the money. The executive was fired and escorted from the Beverly business last year following the accusations.

14 illegal immigrants were taken into custody on February 6th when the truck that they were in broke down on Interstate 93. One of the men driving the truck shouted out "My friends, My friends," in Spanish as a tow truck was pulling away with their vehicle. Upon examination, the state trooper who had pulled over to assist found 12 illegal immigrants in the bed of the truck, 6 from Mexico, and 6 from Guatemala. The two men in the cab of the truck were also illegal, and all were held in custody without bail until trial.

Popular News


A 13 year old boy who was abducted at gun point at a bus stop on Friday morning has been found. Clay Moore of Parrish, Florida was allegedly found on a ranch 20 to 30 miles away from the bus stop. An extensive manhunt of the area is being conducted to find the would be kidnapper. Police say that Moore was not targetted specifically, and that this was a random abduction. The boy was discovered without serious injury and was reunited with his parents on Friday evening.

An 80 year old law prohibiting dancing in New York City ordinary bars and restaurants has been upheld by a New York court. The law does not prohibit dancing in establishments with dancing liscences. The law came into question when several individuals and one club sued for denying free expression, but the the appeals were denied as the dancing causes safety hazards during an emergency, and disobeys noise ordinances. The law was enacted in the 1920's to battle speakeasies during prohibition.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Campus News

Contact: Robert P. Connolly, 617-287-7073

SEARCH PANEL NAMES THREE FINALISTS FOR UMASS-LOWELL POST

The UMass-Lowell Chancellor Search Committee today named three finalists, concluding a key phase in the process of selecting a permanent leader for the University’s Lowell campus.

Selected as finalists were: David C. Chang, chancellor of the Polytechnic University; Nabil A. Ibrahim, vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Purdue University, Calumet; and Martin T. Meehan, who represents the 5th congressional district of Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The search committee conveyed the slate of finalists to UMass President Jack M. Wilson, who will ultimately appoint a new Chancellor, subject to the approval of the University’s Board of Trustees.

William T. O’Shea, chairman of the 21-member search committee, said: “We are very pleased to be advancing the names of these three candidates, any one of whom could be a distinguished and dynamic new leader for UMass-Lowell.”

O’Shea added: “This search attracted candidates from across the nation and the quality and depth of our candidate pool is indicative of the high esteem in which UMass-Lowell is held. Candidates were clearly aware of UMass-Lowell’s nationally prominent academic programs and its impressive and burgeoning research agenda. In the end, our distinct challenge was to narrow a very strong field of candidates to this small number of finalists.”

The committee began its search process last September after receiving its charge from President Wilson and then held six business meetings and a series of interviews of candidates. The charge was to produce for the President’s consideration a slate of finalists comprised of candidates possessing a passion for higher education, an understanding of the public research university, and the experience and ability to lead the campus and community.

President Wilson lauded the committee for its “diligence” and “unselfish service to the University.”

“For the past six months, the members of this search committee have spent countless hours studying the Lowell campus and forming a vision for its future, and evaluating the candidates who seek to be UMass-Lowell’s new leader. This committee has worked efficiently and effectively and the entire UMass System is in its debt. In particular, I would like to express my gratitude to Bill O’Shea for his distinguished service as chairman. Bill is a UMass-Lowell alumnus and a member of our Board of Trustees and guided the search committee with great skill and with an abiding commitment to the task. This stellar slate of finalists is reflective of the singular commitment Bill O’Shea and his colleagues made to the search process,” President Wilson said.

It is expected that the finalists will come to UMass-Lowell for campus visits as the search process moves forward. The search will culminate with President Wilson recommending a candidate to the 22-member UMass Board of Trustees, which must vote on the President’s recommendation.

The new Chancellor will be the permanent successor to William T. Hogan, who retired last year after leading the Lowell campus for 25 years. David J. MacKenzie has been serving as Interim Chancellor since Dr. Hogan’s retirement.

ABOUT THE FINALISTS

David C. Chang is chancellor of the Polytechnic University, located in Brooklyn, NY, and has also served as president of that institution. Additionally, Dr. Chang has served as dean of the College of Engineering and Applied science at Arizona State University and held several academic positions at the University of Colorado. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the National Cheng-Kung University in Taiwan, as well as a master’s and a PhD from Harvard University.

Nabil A. Ibrahim is vice chancellor for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Purdue University, Calumet. He previously served as chief research officer and dean at San Jose State University, and also held academic positions at Bradley University and the University of Manitoba. Dr. Ibrahim holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cairo and a master’s and PhD from McMaster University.

Martin T. Meehan represents the 5th congressional district of Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives, an office he has held since 1993. He has also served as First Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County and as the Commonwealth’s Deputy Secretary of State for Securities and Corporations. Rep. Meehan has taught at UMass-Lowell and at Harvard University Law School. He holds a bachelor’s degree from UMass-Lowell and MPA and JD degrees from Suffolk University.

Local News

A New Hampshire man is accused of abusing his son after the baby was found with 24 broken bones. The incident, which happened six months ago has been under investigation and the man was indicted last week with 5 counts of assault. The baby suffered fractures of the spine, arm, leg, rib and skull that were not the result of shaking, but of assault.

A routine drug bust led to Lowell Police Officers to uncover 8 pounds of marijuana, $4000 cash, 28 grams of what is believed to be opium, psychadelic mushrooms and a loaded .22 caliber pistol. The man was taken under arrest and charged with drug trafficking and intent to distribute in a school zone.

Popular News

Tom Brady is happy to becoming a father. After the recent split with his longtime girlfriend Bridget Moynahan rumors started to buzz about pregnancy however Brady has been spotted with supermodel Gisele Bundchen. Despite the new woman in his life, Brady's publicist released this statement:
"Tom and his family are excited about the pregnancy, and want to thank everyone who has shown support, and particularly for their consideration of Tom's privacy."

Want MORE Grey's Anatomy? A spin-off pilot episode of the award winning series will air in May featuring the neonatal surgeon Dr. Addison Shephard. ABC is hoping the spin-off will add millions of dollars in revenue for the company however a spokesperson for the company could not be reached.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

News Update for Friday, February 15, 2007

Campus News

UMass Lowell will be presenting Jack Kerouac with a posthumous honorary degree this June, in coincidence with a three month long exhibit marking the 50th anniversary of the publishing of "On The Road," thought to be his most famous work. During this time, the original manuscript of the book will be on display at the Boott Cotton Mills. Kerouac, a Lowell native, died 37 years ago in St. Petersburg, Florida from liver damage.

Jerry Beck from the Revolving Museum, along with professors John Warner and Amy Cannon, landed in Cape Town, South Africa on January 16th in order to meet with over 50 scientists from the continent. This meeting is intended to instill what is known as "green chemistry" in up-and-coming countries, such as those in Africa. Green chemistry aims to direct scientists toward using cleaner methods of chemistry in industrial processes. Beck is also setting up public art projects in order to bridge the gap between science and art in the African nation.

Local News

A 50-year old man was arrested in Tyngsboro on Tuesday night for publically exposing himself through the front windows of his house. Police set up surveillance equipment following complaints by neighbors. The man was arrested on seven counts of open and gross lewdness, fourteen counts of indecent exposure, one count of accosting/annoying a member of the opposite sex, and one count of criminal harrassment.

Schools reopened across the area on Thursday following a heavy Nor'easter that swept most of the country. Plows ran all day on Wednesday in order to clear out the ever falling powder. The storm dumped several inches of snow on the area, which quickly turned to sleet. Officials advise caution when driving, as road are still very slippery.

Popular News

Two passengers on an Air Mauritanian flight subdued a would be hijacker on Thursday night. The Boeing 737, which was intended to fly from the capitol city of Mauritania, Nouakchott, to Nouadhibou, also in Mauritania. The plane landed in the Canary Islands after the hijacker had directed the plane toward Paris, France. The plane was reported to be carrying 71 passengers and 8 crew members.


Tainted peanut butter could be the cause of a massive outbreak of Salmonella poisoning. The outbreak has been reported in nearly 300 cases in 39 states since last August. No one has yet died from the infection, but about 20 percent of the people afflicted have been hospitalized. The brands affected are Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter with the product code beginning with the numbers "2111." These products have been recalled, and the company is overseeing inspections on its entire, Georgia based production plant

Friday, February 09, 2007

News Update 02/09/2007 1:55 PM

Campus News

Members of the UMass Lowell Chancellor Search committee recently met with representatives from Korn/Ferry International, an executive recruiting firm, in order to narrow the search for the next Chancellor. It has been reported that the recruitment field has been reduced to about 100 candidates. While they are currently decreasing the field of elligible candidates, the committee is still accepting applications from hopeful's both in and outside of academic fields. Following the retirement of Chancellor Hogan, interim Chancellor David J. McKenzie has held the post until a new, permanent replacement can be found.


The UMass Lowell Men's Hockey team chalked up another win on Thursday night against Northeastern University at the Tsongas Arena. Senior Clive Kinley scored the only goal of the night as freshman goalie Nevin Hamilton recorded a shutout to end the game at 1-0. The River Hawks improved their record to 5-19-6 on the season, bringing them within two points of Providence College who currently hold the final spot for the Hockey East Tournament. The River Hawks' next game is on Friday, February 16th against Merrimack.


Local News

In Nashua, a severed gas line forced many residents to leave their homes early Thursday morning. A Nashua native crashed her car into the side of a local machine shop at around 1:45 AM, severing the gas line, which also caused traffic delays into the morning commute. The woman was arrested on charges of leaving the scene of an accident and resisting arrest.


Contractual disputes with teachers at the Greater Lowell Technical High School have finally been resolved. School Committee members approved a draft that would allow for a three percent retroactive raise for this years contracts, and another three percent raise for the next three years. The contract will be singned once all of the legalities have been ironed out.

Popular News


Former television star and Playboy Bunny, Anna Nicole Smith, died on Thursday at the age of 39. Smith was found unconscious in her hotel room in Hollywood, CA at 1:38 PM. She was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 2:10 PM. Smith had allegedly been suffering from flu-like symptoms for the past few days, and an autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

Harvard University is expected to name its first female president, following an extensive search. Historian Drew Gilpin Faust has been the Dean of Havard's Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study since 2001, and is also a teacher in the history department. If selected, Faust will succeed the controversial Lawrence Summers, a former Treasury Secretary under President Clinton. Faust obtained her doctorate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where she had taught for many years.