Nov. 21, 1997 Contact Maureen Shine (541) 346-3145 Advisory: WHAT The University of Oregon will unveil its new "University Recognition" license plate. The Oregon license plate bears the UO insignia and can be purchased through the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in early 1998. Proceeds will be used for scholarships and academic enrichment. WHEN 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 22, prior to the UO vs. OSU Civil War football game WHERE Alumni Tent Compound, Autzen Stadium, 2700 Centennial Blvd. (The tent compound is on the south end of the stadium by Entry 6, accessible from the Leo Harris Parkway) WHO * Dave Frohnmayer, UO president * Duncan McDonald, UO vice president for public affairs and development * Kirk Bailey, director of legislative relations * Pam Pifher Leavitt, board member, UO Alumni Association * Invited guests, including legislators and members of the UO Foundation Board of Trustees BACKGROUND The University of Oregon is the state's first institution of higher education to offer its own recognition plate. After final design approval, the UO plates will be available in early 1998 through the DMV at a surcharge of $32 per set. Based on DMV estimates, $26 of the surcharge will go directly to the UO for scholarships and other academic enrichment purposes. The funds will be administered by a special scholarship committee in consultation with the university president, provost and deans. The university recognition license plates were authorized by the Oregon Legislature in July upon passage of Senate Bill 372. The legislation authorizes issuance of plates exhibiting an Oregon institution of higher education's logo, mascot or graphic representations associated with colleges and universities, public and private. "This is an exciting opportunity for alumni and friends of the University of Oregon to show their support and quite literally to take the message about the importance of higher education on the road," said Duncan McDonald, UO vice president for public affairs and development. "I applaud the efforts of our Alumni Association and offices of legislative relations and publications, as well as the cooperation of key legislators and the DMV in making this project a reality." With more than 55,000 UO alumni who are potential buyers, UO officials project net revenues of approximately $125,000 from sales of the plates in the first year (1998-99). Similar programs in Arizona, Florida and Iowa have been successful. -30- #A-4029/Local,PDX