TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama’s collegiate license tag program raised almost $2.5 million during the 2006 calendar year. Funds raised through the statewide program are used for scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students.

UA’s National Alumni Association raised a total of $2,445,474.70 through the car tag program in 2006, the most of any university in the state. Auburn came in second with $2,093,377.16. Statewide, collegiate tags raised a total of almost $6 million for 26 colleges and universities in 2006.

More than 500 UA undergraduate students received scholarships through the license tag program this year, and 27 graduate students received fellowships.

“The license tag program is an excellent way to show your allegiance to the University and to contribute to scholarships. We are thrilled that this program continues to grow each year, and we thank our alumni, friends and fans for their support,” said Pat Whetstone, director of alumni affairs at UA.

UA collegiate license tags are available at local county license offices. Both numbered tags and personalized tags are available. The cost is $50 above the normal tag cost. Collegiate license tags may be purchased at any time, regardless of an individual’s tag renewal month.

For more information on UA’s “Ride with the Tide” program, go to http://alumni.ua.edu, or call the UA Alumni Affairs office at 205/348-5963.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.