Don't Settle for a Sticker
JMU license plate program reaches $1 million milestone in supporting student scholarships
Alumni
SUMMARY: Driving around town, you might have noticed license plates sporting the JMU brand. But what you might not know is that, in addition to showing your JMU pride, these plates support scholarships for JMU students. With more than $1 million in scholarships since the JMU license plate was established, the program is proof that something as simple as a license plate on your car can really impact JMU students in a meaningful way.
By Jessica Savoie (’14, ’20M), Associate Director of Alumni Relations
Driving around town, you might have noticed license plates sporting the JMU brand. But what you might not know is that, in addition to showing your JMU pride, these plates support scholarships for JMU students.
JMU license plates are part of a revenue-sharing program with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. This means that $15 of the DMV’s annual $25 renewal fee goes directly back to JMU to support student scholarships.
Sales of JMU license plates in Virginia generate roughly $73,000 each fiscal year for university scholarships, totaling more than $1 million since the program was established in 1992. During the 2019-20 academic year, JMU used this money to provide scholarships to 20 deserving students.
The program is proof that something as simple as a license plate on your car can really impact JMU students in a meaningful way.
“Money raised for scholarships, such as through the purchase of a license plate, creates opportunities for those students who want the Madison Experience to have their dream come true,” said Donna Harper (’77, ’81M, ’86Ed.S), vice president for access and enrollment management at JMU. “These students are grateful and very proud to be part of the JMU family. Plus, with your purchase of a license plate you are spreading the good name and goodwill of JMU!”
The DMV currently offers two JMU-themed plates to choose from. One features the classic university seal with a touch of purple and gold. The second plate features every Duke’s favorite canine: Duke Dog!
“When I see someone with a JMU license plate, I feel an instant sense of connection,” said Carrie Combs (’07, ’09M), director of alumni relations. “I know the people in that vehicle are a JMU graduate, student, faculty member or friend of the university and we already share a common love of JMU.”
During the past fiscal year, 2,560 plates with the university seal and 2,364 plates with the iconic Duke Dog were registered, according to Jessica Cowardin, Spokesperson for the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The Virginia DMV offers license plates supporting more than 80 colleges and universities, 59 of which are in-state schools. Of the college and university plates offered by the DMV, JMU license plates are among the top three plates on the road.
With the JMU license plate program, you don’t have to settle on a bumper sticker to show your JMU pride. With a JMU license plate, you can ride in style knowing you are not only showing off your school spirit, but also giving back, by supporting vital student scholarships.
Bleed purple all year long with one of our two plate designs: Duke Dog or the JMU Seal.
