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News Release

Last modified: Thursday, February 2, 2012

Indiana University license plate rises to No. 1 overall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 2, 2012

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The latest No. 1 ranking for Indiana University didn't come on a playing field or in the academic rankings of U.S. News & World Report. The competition this time took place on the bumpers of Indiana automobiles.

After two decades of leading the collegiate category in number of license plates on the road, the IU plate in 2011 vaulted to the top of all specialty plates in the state of Indiana, according to a January report from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

"We're elated to be No. 1 overall," said Debbie Lemon, deputy executive director of the IU Alumni Association. "The record sales figures for the IU plate this year -- and in other years -- speaks to the strong reputation that IU has around the state."

With a count of 48,282 plates in calendar year 2011, the IU plate nipped the Heritage Trust plate (48,192) and the Colts Trust plate (48,084). This marks the first time the IU plate has been No. 1 overall. In 2010, the Heritage Trust took first, followed by the Colts Trust and then IU.

Among collegiate plates in 2011, Purdue University tallied 43,035, to place second behind IU.

For each IU plate sold, a portion of the revenue goes to the IU Alumni Association, which manages IU's license-plate program and uses the funds for a wide range of programs and services. The IUAA has managed the IU license-plate program since its inception in 1991, when it became the first collegiate plate in Indiana.

"Strong sales of the IU plate mean continued strong support of our alumni programs," said Lemon, who noted that the license-plate revenue also supports student scholarships in the form of the IUAA Scholars program. "We appreciate the support from around the state, and we hope that it continues."

For more information about the IU plate, including how to order one, visit the BMV website.

The IU Alumni Association is dedicated to serving the university and its diverse alumni, students and friends. As one of the nation's largest alumni organizations, serving more than 550,000 graduates worldwide, the IUAA provides many programs and services to its members, nonmember alumni and the university. For more information, visit alumni.indiana.edu or call 800-824-3044.

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