Nov. 22, 1997 Contact Maureen Shine (541) 346-3145 Source: Kirk Bailey, director, UO Office of Legislative Relations (541) 346-5022 EUGENE--Friends of the University of Oregon can soon drive home their message of support with new UO license plates. At a ceremony preceding today's (Nov. 22) civil war contest at Autzen Stadium between the UO Ducks and OSU Beavers, the UO unveiled its new "University Recognition" license plate. The Oregon license plate bears the UO insignia and will be available for purchase through the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in early 1998. Proceeds will be used for scholarships and academic enrichment. "This is an exciting opportunity for alumni and friends of the University of Oregon to show their support and quite literally 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." 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. The University of Oregon is the state's first institution of higher education to offer its own recognition plate. After final approval of the design, the UO plates will be available in early 1998 through the DMV at a surcharge of $32 per set which will be added to the standard plate fees. 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. With more than 55,000 UO alumni who are potential buyers, the UO projects 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- #O-4032/OrDailies