LEXINGTON, Ky.—With the help of alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends, Transylvania University is the winner in the 2009 Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU) “Battle of the Bumpers,” taking the title for the second year in a row. The contest is an annual competition among the 20 AIKCU campuses to put the most campus license plates on Kentucky highways, and in turn raise the most money for student scholarships. To win, Transylvania supporters purchased or renewed 735 license plates.
In 2008, Transy supporters purchased or renewed 689 license plates to help Transylvania top the AIKCU campus totals. The custom plates advertise allegiance to Transylvania while supporting current students; $10 from the sale of each plate is returned directly to Transy’s general scholarship fund.
“I am impressed with the number of alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends who choose to show their Transylvania pride on their license plates,” said Transylvania President Charles L. Shearer. “In particular, the support of our loyal alumni has been remarkable.”
The Kentucky Independent Higher Education series plates took to the roads in 2002. Each independent college and university had its own plate, but they all shared a common design theme. Thanks to advances in license plate printing technology and some changes in state regulations, AIKCU members were able to work with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to redesign their plates in late 2007. The new plates went on sale in January 2008. Transylvania’s unique design was the work of Barbara Grinnell, Transy’s graphic designer.
“The license plates have been a hit with alumni in part because the classy design and color complement vehicles of practically every make and color,” according to Natasa Pajic, director of alumni programs. “The deep crimson background with white letters and numbers also stands out in a crowd – just like our alumni.”
The 2010 license plate competition began on January 1. For more information, including contact information for your county clerk, visit the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing at http://mvl.ky.gov/MVLWeb/.