Meryl Streep takes stage at UMass Lowell benefit

LOWELL, Mass. (AP) - Oscar-winner Meryl Streep is helping the University of Massachusetts-Lowell raise money for two new scholarships.

The university says Tuesday night’s “Conversation With Meryl Streep” raised more than $230,000 for two new scholarships she established for outstanding English and math majors at the university.

Earlier Tuesday, Streep met with students in a special program at the university’s conference center.

Streep has been nominated for 18 Oscars, and won three, most recently in 2012 for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady.”

Last year, renowned author Stephen King’s lecture raised approximately $100,000 for a different scholarship fund including King’s speaker fee, which he donated. The university is hoping to make this speaker series an annual event.