|
License
plates boost
scholarship coffers
When
Derek Bunnell graduated from The University of Montana in
1995, he bought himself a $20 graduation present -- a UM
license plate.
He's
had UM plates ever since. "And so do most of my friends,"
he said. "It's a great way to show support for the
University."
Bunnell's
sentiments are echoed by Bob Frazier, the University's executive
vice president who oversees UM product lines and their licensing.
Frazier encourages the plates for upcoming and new alumni
to commemorate their years at UM and assist future students
through scholarship awards at the same time.
"Think
about a UM plate for your favorite 2002 graduate,"
he said.
Since
1992 when the program began, more than 4,000 Montana automobiles
have been licensed with UM plates. In its first year, the
$20-per-plate charge generated about $26,000 for UM student
scholarships. Ten years later the license plate program
has grown in popularity and now brings in nearly $140,000
per year. The endowment currently tops $1 million, and its
earnings provide more than $53,000 per year in general and
Presidential Leadership Scholarships for students.
"The
License Plate Program is a truly significant component of
the University's scholarship program," said Sharen
Peters, president of the UM Foundation, where the License
Plate fund is housed. "It's provided more than $250,000
for UM students during the last 10 years."
This
academic year, 61 students were awarded License Plate Scholarships
ranging from $750 to $1,250. One is Heidi Warren, an elementary
education major from Hardin.
"Not
only does it help financially so I don't need so many loans,
but it's also a reward for my hard work to this point,"
Warren said.
Montanans have been eager participants in the program, Peters
said, at UM and the state's other public, private and tribally
controlled colleges. Each college and university in the
state has its own plate to benefit students through scholarship
awards.
The
UM plate has gone through four design and color changes
since its inception, with the newest version a full-color
rendition of Main Hall. The addition of color on the new
design was prompted by the popularity of the spirited Grizzly
logo plate, which has been available for one year.
Bunnell
said he intends to continue buying his alma mater's license
plates, especially after hearing about the quarter-million
dollars in scholarship support the fund has provided. First-time
plate buyers join him every month, but a great many are
repeat buyers.
Retired
philosophy Professor Ray Lanfear has had UM plates for eight
years. He bought them, he said, and continues to renew the
plates because it's "an easy way to put $20 into the
scholarship program."
|
