The ASU Alumni Association has raised nearly $250,000 for the Medallion Scholarship because alumni have purchased more than 14,000 redesigned Sparky license plates.
Working with the Arizona Department of Transportation, the ASU Alumni Association began selling the redesigned license plate this year.
The cost for one of these specialized license plates is $25, and the Medallion Scholarship fund receives $17 for every Sparky license plate sold.
The redesigned Sparky plate features Sparky with a gold background. The plate can be personalized for an additional $50 fee with up to six letters or characters.
“We knew that updating the look of the plate would yield positive results,” said Christine Wilkinson, president of the ASU Alumni Association. “We encourage all friends of the university to purchase a (Sparky) plate and support a wonderful scholarship program.”
The Medallion Scholarship program sponsors 100 undergraduate students and gives ASU in-state resident’s financial support.
Business communications junior Kimberly Miller was awarded the scholarship in 2009.
“The scholarship really motivates me,” Miller said. “It makes you keep your grades up and my very best friends are in the program with me.”
Medallion Scholars earn four-year renewable scholarships of $2,750 annually.
Scholars must actively participate in a mentorship program, contribute volunteer hours to the Alumni Association, remain in good standing as an ASU undergraduate and remain engaged in community service projects.
“We helped with an Eagle Scout project,” Miller said. “We painted red curbs for the Chandler Fire Department.”
Journalism and justice studies junior Hannah Nunez was also awarded the scholarship in 2009.
“The whole process is really intense,” Nunez said. “Volunteerism is at the core of what we do along with academics. They’re looking for well-rounded people.”
Nunez has a history of volunteering at her church and raising money for at risk children.
The new Sparky license plate is also available outside Arizona.
“There is a Sparky plate available in Maryland,” ASU Alumni Marketing Director Tracy Scott said. “Next year we hope to add Pennsylvania and Texas to the Sparky Nation.”
Reach the reporter at phillip.guerrero@asu.edu
