‘A’ plates give back to USU
When Cache Valley residents have the opportunity to give back to Utah State University they shouldn’t pass the plate. In fact, they should buy the plate.
The Alumni Association at Utah State University has unveiled the ‘A’ Plate Campaign in an effort to spread Aggie pride throughout the valley while at the same time provide opportunity to those that want to come to USU but don’t have the means.
The campaign goal is simple and clear. The Alumni Association plans to sell 4,000 ‘A’ plates by the end of 2008 to residents in the Cache Valley area. The ‘A’ plate costs $25, and every single penny goes towards student scholarships.
Think that $25 won’t make a difference? Think again. Just ask Alyson Shepherd, who was raised by a single mother in New Jersey. Shepherd always had the goal to go to college, but she also knew she would have to pay for it all herself, which was a task that seemed daunting. However, the ‘A’ plate opened up a way for her to live her dream.
“The ‘A’ plate campaign has benefitted me in the fact that I would not be attending college without it,” Shepherd said. “Paying entirely for my own education straight out of high school was overwhelming and basically impossible for me. The scholarship I received from the ‘A’ plate campaign allowed me to seek the education I wanted and needed.”
Ask Tessa Goodall from Cedar Hills, Utah. Goodall comes from a family that is rich with Aggie tradition, and it was her desire to carry it on. However, financially she didn’t know if she could. That’s where the ‘A’ plate campaign came in.
“Without the ‘A’ plate campaign I wouldn’t be here at Utah State fulfilling my dream,” Goodall said. “I never realized what people were doing for the students when they bought an ‘A’ plate, but I am glad that they do. Even if it is just one student that is helped, one persons life that is changed is a big deal.”
Ask Allyce Jones, a native of Cache Valley who graduated from Logan High School in 2007. She also comes from a family full of Aggies. Both of her parents, more than 10 of her aunts and uncles and many of her cousins all attended Utah State University. Jones had the same desire to carry on the tradition, but once again, money was an issue.
“The transition from high school life to college life is hard, especially when you are worried about money, so the scholarship definitely eased my burden,” Jones said. “I was better able to focus on my school work, knowing that I didn’t have to worry about how I was going to pay for tuition for the next semester.”
These are just three examples of students that were given an opportunity that they normally would have never had. Many more are out there with similar circumstances.
Those interested in purchasing ‘A’ plates can contact the Alumni Association at (435)797-2055 or visit their local DMV.