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Match Group & Uber Team Up with ‘It’s On Us’ to Empower College Students to Date Safely

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New Guide Offers Expert Safety Tips for Chatting with Matches, Meeting IRL, or Catching a Ride

DALLAS, Sept. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Match Group, the parent company of Tinder and Hinge, is teaming up with Uber and It’s On Us, the largest US nonprofit program in the U.S. dedicated to college sexual assault prevention, to empower millions of students across 2,000+ colleges and universities nationwide with information on how to navigate the dating scene safely.

Together, they’ve created a new guide in consultation with campus safety experts that highlights ways to date smarter and safer on- and off-campus. The guide also highlights ways to leverage app-specific tools like Verification and Reporting on Tinder and Hinge, and how to Check Your Ride before getting into an Uber.

“College is a time for new experiences and connections, and dating apps often play a big role in that journey,” said Tasha Menaker, Senior Director of Social Impact at Match Group. “At Match Group, our priority is making sure that these connections are not only exciting but also safe for everyone involved. We’re proud to partner with Uber and It’s On Us to provide students with the knowledge they need to date confidently and securely.”

The goal is to arm students with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe and have the most positive dating experiences possible — whether they’re chatting with matches, meeting in person, or catching a ride. New and returning students can snag these guides from a local ‘It’s On Us’ chapter, through a campus ambassador, or online. Additional materials will be distributed throughout the school year.

“At It’s On Us, our priority is to ensure that all students are able to pursue an education that is free from sexual violence,” said Tracey Vitchers, Executive Director of It’s On Us. “For many young students, college is the first time they will use dating apps or rideshare to connect with potential romantic partners. It’s critical that students are provided with the knowledge and resources that will help them safely and respectfully navigate their dating experiences from online, to in real life.”

“At Uber, safety is at the core of everything that we do, which is why we’ve developed in-app safety features like Share My Trip, Safety Preferences and Pin Verification, to give riders additional peace of mind when they are on a trip,” said Emilie Boman, Director of Safety Public Policy at Uber. “Understanding that students have places to go, and people to meet, we’ve partnered with Match Group and It’s On Us, to provide them with essential tips and information, empowering them to feel secure wherever they travel.”

This partnership is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at reaching college students. In 2020, Tinder partnered with ‘It’s On Us’ to launch the first-ever national tour providing sexual assault prevention training for college students, by college students. Tinder also recently rolled out Share My Date, a feature that allows users to share their date plans—including location, date, time, and a photo of their match—directly with friends and loved ones from within the app up to 30 days in advance. Match Group, Uber, and ‘It’s On Us’ remain committed to helping campuses foster a culture of safety and respect in every interaction, both online and off.

About Match Group
Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH), through its portfolio companies, is a leading provider of digital technologies designed to help people make meaningful connections. Our global portfolio of brands includes Tinder®, Hinge®, Match®, Meetic®, OkCupid®, Pairs™, PlentyOfFish®, Azar®, BLK®, and more, each built to increase our users’ likelihood of connecting with others. Through our trusted brands, we provide tailored services to meet the varying preferences of our users. Our services are available in over 40 languages to our users all over the world.

About Uber
Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 42 billion trips later, we’re building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

About It’s On Us
It’s On Us is building the movement to combat campus sexual assault by engaging all students, including young men, through grassroots organizing, prevention education programs, and large-scale culture change campaigns. Founded as an initiative of the Obama-Biden White House, It’s On Us has grown into the nation’s largest student organizing program dedicated to college sexual assault prevention, activating students on hundreds of campuses through awareness and education programs. It’s On Us is committed to shifting the culture around campus sexual assault through partnerships with media and brands that engage with millions of college students every day. It’s On Us is an initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more here.

Safe Dating Tips From Dating Apps to Meeting In Person

Be So For Real: Use real, recent photos. Be honest in your profile about what you’re looking for and who you are. No one wants to hang with a catfish unless it’s at a lake. On dating apps, users can get photo verified to help show other users that they are who they claim to be.

Slide into DMs right: Got a match? Cool, but don’t be cringe. A cheesy line is fine to break the ice, but keep it chill and respectful. Show your personality.

For your eyes only 👀: If your DMs get spicy, keep it private. Sharing someone’s intimate photos with friends or in group chats is a no-go.

Don’t assume the worst 🔮: If your match goes silent, don’t panic. They might be busy. Give them space before deciding you’ve been ghosted.

From app to IRL: Before meeting up, make sure you verify your account and we encourage you to match with others who have a verified account. Video chat, phone call, or check their social media to see if the vibe matches. If something feels off at any point, cancel the date.

Plan your ride: Before leaving home, know how you plan to get to and from your date. When using rideshare options, make sure you check your ride details like license plate, car make, and driver photo before getting in the car.

Coffee, Drinks or Dinner?: Finding a place on campus for a first date can be tough. Your match wants to avoid popular spots to prevent run-ins with friends, but you don’t feel comfortable heading over to their place. Respect each other’s boundaries by picking a venue you both feel good about.

Need a getaway driver?: If you feel unsafe or simply don’t hit it off with your match, it’s okay to leave. You can ask a friend to call you a ride. When taking an app-based ride, be sure to check your ride before getting in the car and share your trip details with friends.

Say nope to jerks and report ’em: If someone doesn’t pass the vibe check and makes you uncomfortable or unsafe, report them back to the app.

Take the next step: If your date went well and you’re ready to take it to the next level, talk it out first. Know what you both want, and remember, you can change your mind anytime.

Ready to delete the app?: Before you do, make sure your match is on the same page about committing. If they’re not, it’s cool.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/match-group–uber-team-up-with-its-on-us-to-empower-college-students-to-date-safely-302248579.html

SOURCE Match Group

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KNEX Technology CTO Gustavo Gonzalez Elected 2025 President-Elect of OATUG

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Gustavo Gonzalez, KNEX Technology’s CTO, has been elected 2025 President-Elect of OATUG, emphasizing his dedication to Oracle innovation, collaboration, and leadership, including Ascend 2025’s strategic initiatives.

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — KNEX Technology, a leading Oracle Cloud solutions provider, is proud to announce that its Chief Technology Officer, Gustavo Gonzalez, has been elected as the 2025 President-Elect of the Oracle Applications & Technology Users Group (OATUG). This esteemed appointment highlights Gonzalez’s longstanding commitment to advancing innovation and collaboration within the Oracle community.

OATUG has played a pivotal role in my professional growth, and it is a privilege to contribute to this community which has enriched my career. As President-Elect, I look forward to collaborating with my peers to strengthen the Oracle user community and further its impact on businesses worldwide.

In his new role, Gonzalez will work closely with the OATUG leadership team throughout 2025, preparing to serve as OATUG President in 2026. He will focus on empowering Oracle professionals worldwide by fostering knowledge-sharing, community engagement, and professional development. OATUG, a globally recognized organization, supports its members in overcoming challenges, enhancing the value of Oracle solutions, and driving organizational success.

“OATUG has played a pivotal role in my professional growth, and it is a privilege to contribute to this community which has enriched my career,” said Gustavo Gonzalez. “As President-Elect, I look forward to collaborating with my peers to strengthen the Oracle user community and further its impact on businesses worldwide.”

Gonzalez’s election underscores his dedication to giving back to the Oracle ecosystem. A key focus of his role will include shaping OATUG’s strategic initiatives, such as the annual Ascend Conference, which unites Oracle users, thought leaders, and technology innovators for unparalleled learning and networking opportunities.

The upcoming Ascend 2025 Conference, scheduled for June 8–11 in Orlando, Florida, promises to build on the success of the 2024 event, which attracted more than 1,800 attendees. With early bird registration now open, Gonzalez aims to ensure the conference continues to deliver transformative insights and experiences for the Oracle community.

About OATUG

The Oracle Applications & Technology Users Group (OATUG) is the premier global organization for Oracle users, providing year-round education, networking, and advocacy. OATUG empowers its members to unlock the full potential of Oracle solutions, fostering innovation and collaboration across industries.

About KNEX Technology

KNEX Technology is a trusted leader in Oracle Cloud solutions, delivering cutting-edge products and services to help businesses achieve their objectives. Through its innovative approach and customer-focused strategies, KNEX enables organizations to navigate the complexities of today’s technology landscape. For more information, visit www.knextech.com.

Media Contact

Husna Gyasi, KNEX Technology, 1 (949) 232-0786, husna.ghayaisi@knextech.com, https://knextech.com/

Twitter, LinkedIn

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/knex-technology-cto-gustavo-gonzalez-elected-2025-president-elect-of-oatug-302347693.html

SOURCE KNEX Technology

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Dr. Gerard van Belle Appointed Director of Science at Lowell Observatory, Charting a Bold Future for Research

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Dr. van Belle to guide scientific exploration and foster innovation in the next era of astronomical research

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lowell Observatory is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gerard van Belle as the new Director of Science. Van Belle, who has been an astronomer at the observatory since 2011, has been serving as the interim Director of Science.

In his new role, van Belle will lead a diverse team of astronomers and planetary scientists. He will spearhead the observatory’s new Science Vision, which focuses on advancing research capabilities and implementing cutting-edge technological improvements supporting Lowell’s leadership in astronomical research.

Under his leadership, the science department will continue to advance Lowell Observatory’s mission to pursue the study of astronomy, including the study of our solar system and its evolution, and to conduct pure research in astrophysical phenomena.

Van Belle’s own research focuses on fundamental stellar parameters, including the sizes, shapes, masses, distances, and temperatures of various types of stars. He is also renowned for his expertise in optical and near-infrared astronomical interferometry.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Whitman College in 1990, followed by a master’s degree from The Johns Hopkins University in 1993, and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Wyoming in 1996.

Throughout his career, van Belle has been instrumental in the development and commissioning of major optical interferometers worldwide, including the Palomar Testbed Interferometer, the Keck Interferometer, and the Very Large Telescope Interferometer. His pioneering work in stellar surface imaging earned him the inaugural Edward Stone Award for Outstanding Research Publication at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 2002.

In 2011, van Belle joined Lowell Observatory’s science staff, where he applied high-resolution astronomical techniques to detect nearby exoplanets and map stellar surfaces. He served as the Director of the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI) in Flagstaff, Arizona, from 2017 to 2018, and subsequently as its Chief Scientist until 2022.

Notably, van Belle was among the astronomers who voted against the definition of ‘planet’ advanced during the 2006 International Astronomical Union (IAU) conference in Prague, which relegated Pluto to being a ‘dwarf planet’ (which according to the IAU resolution is not a planet).

His extensive experience and dedication to advancing astronomical research make him a valuable leader for Lowell Observatory’s scientific endeavors.

“I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time for Lowell Observatory,” said van Belle. “Our Science Vision will guide us in exploring new frontiers in astronomy while strengthening our commitment to public engagement and education.”

Executive Director Dr. Amanda Bosh expressed her confidence in van Belle’s leadership: “Gerard’s extensive experience and dedication to our mission make him the ideal person to lead our scientific endeavors. I look forward to working closely with him as we embark on this exciting new chapter for Lowell Observatory.”

For more information about Lowell Observatory’s research and public programs, visit lowell.edu.

About Lowell Observatory
Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a renowned nonprofit research institution. It is the site of historic and groundbreaking discoveries, including the first evidence of the expanding universe and the discovery of Pluto. Today, Lowell’s astronomers utilize global ground-based and space telescopes, along with NASA spacecraft, for diverse astronomical and planetary science research. The observatory hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually for educational tours, presentations, and telescope viewing through a suite of world-class public telescopes.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dr-gerard-van-belle-appointed-director-of-science-at-lowell-observatory-charting-a-bold-future-for-research-302348440.html

SOURCE Lowell Observatory

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ALTICE USA IS ABANDONING LOCAL SPORTS FANS AND IS KEEPING MSG NETWORKS AND ITS KNICKS, RANGERS, ISLANDERS AND DEVILS COVERAGE OFF THE AIR

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NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MSG Networks released the following statement about their dispute with Altice USA:

“Altice USA has pulled their last proposal and walked away from negotiations to bring MSG Networks back to its Optimum subscribers. They also just dropped WPIX Channel 11 in New York and other local stations around the country. If you have been waiting, like we have, for them to do right by their customers – don’t wait any longer. Now is the time to switch to Verizon Fios who has a special offer for Optimum subscribers. Meanwhile, Optimum has been charging their over 1 million customers for local sports programming they have not been receiving and EVERY subscriber should be credited at least $10 a month.

Verizon Fios is ready to take your business. If you are not in Verizon Fios area, you can get games through these other providers DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo and The Gotham Sports App. For more options on how to switch providers, visit www.keepMSG.com.”

About MSG Networks

MSG Networks, a pioneer in sports media, owns and operates two award-winning regional sports and entertainment networks (MSG and MSG Sportsnet) and MSG+, a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming offering (included in the Gotham Sports App), that serve the nation’s number one media market, the New York DMA, as well as other portions of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The networks feature a wide range of compelling sports content, including exclusive live local games and other programming of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres, as well as significant coverage of the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. This content, in addition to a diverse array of other sporting events and critically acclaimed original programming, has established MSG Networks as the gold standard in regional sports. MSG Networks is part of the Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR).

Contact:

Dan Schoenberg (dan.schoenberg@msg.com)

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/altice-usa-is-abandoning-local-sports-fans-and-is-keeping-msg-networks-and-its-knicks-rangers-islanders-and-devils-coverage-off-the-air-302348428.html

SOURCE Sphere Entertainment Co.

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