Twitter
Facebook
Reddit
Digg
Tell us what you think!Send a letter to the editor about this or any other article in The Maine Campus.
On Friday afternoon, Secretary of State Dan Gwadosky and David Colt, commissioner of the Department of Transportation, unveiled the new University of Maine Black Bear license plate at the Buchanan Alumni House.
The new plate, designed by UMaine senior graphic designer and ’81 alumna Val Williams, features an image of the UMaine black bear. Working within the guidelines for creating a license plate was a challenge, she said, as the plate must be easily visible to police officers.
“The overall idea behind [the plate] was to make it feel like it was the University of Maine’s, so our big focus was UMaine graphics and colors. We were trying to come up with something unique and at the same time work within the guidelines set by the Department of Transportation,” Williams said.
“I think it’s a beautiful plate. It’s very attractive, represents the university well, and is an easily recognizable logo,” said Cathy Curtis, director of vehicle services.
The UMaine Foundation and the Alumni Association raised $20,000 to fund production of the license plate.
Gwadosky thanked Curtis for acting as a liaison for the departments and for working on production of the plate.
“A lot of [the success of the plate] will depend on how well it’s marketed and how well it’s accepted … My inclination is that the university has a very loyal following throughout the state that wants to support education and are looking for ways to do it. [Buying a plate] is kind of an easy way to do it,” Gwadosky said.
Colt spoke for Gov. Baldacci, who was unable to attend the ceremony because he is currently in Ireland.
“This license plate supports two things that are near and dear to my heart. As an old economic developer, I can tell you that there is nothing more important to economic opportunity in the state of Maine than access to education and access to the world. Transportation provides access to the world and access to new markets, and the university provides Maine’s people with opportunities to education,” Colt said.
“I think it’s cool that the money from the plate is going into scholarships [for UMaine students],” said student body president Matt Rodrigue.
The plate will cost $20 initially and renewal will cost $15. From the initial purchase, half of the cost will go toward need-based scholarships and half toward the highway fund. When the plate is renewed, $10 will benefit scholarships and $5 will go toward the highway fund.
“There is a strong alumni loyalty out there. Being an alumnus, I can tell you that it is a strong brand in the state of Maine,” Colt said.
Up to six letters can be listed on the license plate and current plates can be exchanged for a Black Bear plate. Lists of available vanity plates can be found on the secretary of state’s Web site at state.me.us/sos/.
Bangor Daily News