What People are Saying About UMass Lowell Joining America East
“I congratulate UMass Lowell on this exciting accomplishment and I look forward to cheering on the River Hawks in the upcoming season.”
- Deval Patrick, Massachusetts Governor
“The elevation to Division I is reflective of the dedicated student-athletes who strive each day to reach the pinnacle of their sport and represent UMass Lowell, the City of Lowell and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with distinction. In this new arena, their competitive spirit and athletic prowess will help bring attention to UML as a whole and highlight the academic and institutional growth we have seen there in recent years.”
- Niki Tsongas, Massachusetts Third District Congresswoman
“I’ve been in this line of work for a long time and I’ve never seen any school approach this decision in such a logical, fiscally grounded way as the Lowell campus has. They’ve put themselves in a position where they have no choice but to be successful and I know they will be.”
- Robert Caret, UMass President
“UMass Lowell is an outstanding addition to our membership and an ideal fit for America East. It is a public research university within our conference’s geographic footprint that highly values academics while also excelling in athletics.”
- Dr. Samuel L. Stanley, Stony Brook University President and Chair of the America East Board of Presidents
“As a public research university with a profile similar to UNH and several other institutions in our conference, UMass Lowell is a perfect fit to become America East’s next member. Their tremendous growth over the past few years has positioned them well to transition to Division I and we’re excited to have them join our league.”
- Mark L. Huddleston, University of New Hampshire President
“Winston Churchill once said ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ Success at the Division II level has led to transitioning to Division I, which may be difficult challenge, but having the courage to try to move forward speaks volumes to what UMass Lowell is about.”
- Bianca Simmons, UMass Lowell senior and women’s basketball student-athlete
“This move will add value to the degrees that students receive from UMass Lowell because being a Division I school will add to the prestige of the institution by strengthening the reputation of the university not just in this area but around the country. I hope one day to watch UMass Lowell athletics on ESPN in the not too distant future.”
- Brian Dano, UMass Lowell Student Government Association President
“We are delighted to welcome UMass Lowell to America East. UMass Lowell is a very strong institution that is on an impressive growth trajectory. The impact that the school and its excellent leadership team have had on the revitalization of a proud and historic city is nothing short of remarkable. The success of UMass Lowell’s hockey program has proven that the institution is ready to compete at the Division I level and we are excited to have the River Hawks as partners in America East.”
- Steve Abbott, University of Maine Director of Athletics and Chair of the America East Athletic Director’s Council
“As a Division II institution, our athletic programs have earned a high reputation of excellence across the region driven by hard work and dedication. As an alum, I am proud to know that we are continuing to raise the bar and carry the same level of competitiveness to a new arena.”
- Ruben Sanca, UMass Lowell graduate, NCAA All-American in track and 2012 Olympian
“We are excited to have UMass Lowell join the America East as a member Institution. Their demonstrated commitment to academic and athletic excellence and their plan for quality growth is quite impressive. They are a perfect partner to assist in moving our conference forward in the coming years.”
- Patrick Elliott, Binghamton University Director of Athletics
“While a conference never likes to lose a valued member, the Northeast-10 most certainly wishes UMasss Lowell the best of luck as they enter this exciting new phase of their athletics history with the impending reclassification into Division I. Having spent many years in America East and now the past five working with Lowell in the NE-10, I can say for certainty that the University, its leadership, athletic administration, coaches and student athletes are ready to face the challenge of Division I athletics and I have no doubt they will be successful. Their record of success within the strongest Division II conference in the country will position them to be competitive from the start in America East. Finally, on behalf of the entire Northeast-10 we thank Lowell for the open and communicative manner with which they have approached their strategic move to Division I. They have been strong partners from the start and as they end their relationship with the Northeast-10 this spring, they do so with good will and best wishes. In these days of conference realignment, that is not always the case and both sides have worked hard to ensure this transition will be amicable and smooth.”
- Julie Ruppert, Northeast-10 Commissioner