ASU 'Sparky' license plate count hits 15K milestone

Arizona State University’s collegiate “Sparky” license plate has become a must-have item for an increasing number of Sun Devils on the go, with the program’s total plate count breaking the 15,000 plate mark for the first time ever.

According to information from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, there were 15,054 Sparky license plates on the road as of Sept. 30, 2013.

The license plate program fuels the Medallion Scholarship program, which is administered by the ASU Alumni Association. The Medallion Scholarship program gives students who are Arizona residents financial support, as well as the opportunity to foster their personal development and leadership skills while attending ASU.

For every Sparky plate purchased, $17 of the $25 fee goes directly to the scholarship fund. More than 100 ASU students are currently part of the Medallion program; in the academic year 2012-2013, these scholars received $300,000 in financial support from the program.

Plate sales have shown solid growth since the plate received a design makeover in 2010. The current license plate features a bold look with Sparky the Sun Devil on an all-gold background. It can be customized with as many as six characters on the plate.

Christine Wilkinson, president of the ASU Alumni Association, said the steadily rising Sparky plate sales demonstrate that Sun Devils love having a visible way to show off their pride for their alma mater.

“We’re pleased that our graduates and our fans appreciate ASU’s contributions to the community and want to share their Sun Devil pride wherever they drive,” she said. “We encourage all friends of the university to purchase a plate and support a wonderful scholarship program.”

For more information about the Sparky plate program and information on how to order a plate, visit http://alumni.asu.edu/services/sparky-plates.

To learn more about the Medallion Scholarship program, visit http://alumni.asu.edu/services/student-scholarships/medallion-scholarship.