Gonzaga University boosters can acquire own license plates

Gonzaga University supporters will soon be able to take “Spike” along for a ride wherever they go. Starting in January, fans can buy license plates emblazoned with the university’s logo.

Of the first 25 plates, the first two have been reserved for the Rev. Robert Spitzer, Gonzaga University president and the Rev. Bernard Coughlin, the chancellor. Those eager to get the rest onto their cars, can bid now for license plates number three to 25. The silent online auction was announced last week in an e-mail to Gonzaga alumni.

“Within five minutes we already had at least five bids,” said Alumni Director Bob Finn.

The plate features Spike the bulldog and the university’s Administration Building in the background.

Bidders, who must be the registered owners of the vehicles getting the plates, can participate in the auction by e-mailing in their bid to alumni@gonzaga.edu.

Getting the plates is a show of team spirit on two fronts _ not only do they announce bona fide groupies, but proceeds from the plates benefit the Gonzaga University Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

Instead of just handing out the top 25 numbers, Finn said having the auction seemed a good way to drum up enthusiasm and raise some money for students.

“I would think that realistically an opening bid would be between $100 and 200,” he said.

The auction will close on Friday, Nov. 15. Bidders will be notified via e-mail of their winning bid and will get their plates on Jan. 4. In addition to the bid amount, fans must pay regular licensing fees and renewal fees.

The Department of Licensing will assign the rest of the plates in numerical order. All plates cost $40 on top of regular licensing fees. Car owners must also pay an extra $30 each time they renew their registration, continuing to generate funds for the scholarship.

About $28 of each initial and annual renewal fee will go to the scholarship fund.

Last year, the scholarship fund distributed $105,000 to about 30 students, Finn said. The students are relatives of Gonzaga alumnae.