'Sparky' license plate count surges past 14,000 mark

Arizona State University’s collegiate or “Sparky” license plate, invigorated by a redesign last fall, is now a must-have item for Sun Devils on the go, with plate sales experiencing 30 percent growth during the fiscal year that ended June 30 and the program’s total plate count breaking the 14,000 plate mark for the first time ever.

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. More than 100 ASU students are currently part of the Medallion program. For every Sparky plate purchased, $17 of the $25 fee goes directly to the scholarship fund.

Last year’s makeover was the first redesign of the plate in many years. The license plate features a bold look with Sparky the Sun Devil on an all-gold background. The new plate can be customized with as many as six characters – up from five on the previous design – on the plate.

Christine Wilkinson, president of the ASU Alumni Association, said the jump in Sparky plate sales demonstrated the Sun Devil nation had been ready for a new opportunity to show off their pride for their alma mater.

“We knew that updating the look of the plate would yield positive results, but the increase in sales has outpaced even our most optimistic projections,” she said. “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. 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://www.sparkyplates.com.  To learn more about the Medallion Scholarship program, visit http://alumni.asu.edu/awards/medallion.