Supporters of Wayne State University who wish to display their "Warrior pride" while also contributing to a scholarship fund for students have for the past eight years been able to purchase special WSU-branded vehicle license plates through the Michigan Secretary of State's Office. Now, the university has announced that a new plate with an updated Wayne State University graphic is available for purchase.

The original plate, displaying the image of a warrior swinging a sword, has been replaced by one that features a stylized "W" with a superimposed banner proclaiming "Wayne State." The words "Wayne State University" are across the bottom of the plate. The university has phased out the warrior graphic.

"The ‘W' with the banner is a stronger, clearer visual image that is more consistent with our marketing focus for the university," explains Michael Wright, associate vice president for marketing and communications.

The new plates may be ordered at Secretary of State branch offices or through the mail. The cost of the plate, termed "fundraising" plates by the Secretary of State's office, is $35 in addition to the vehicle owner's usual registration fee. For more information on Michigan license plate renewal, visit www.michigan.gov/sos. For each plate bearing Wayne State identification, $25 goes to the WSU Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

Sale of the special plates raises between $25,000 - $30,000 annually for Wayne State and has resulted in more than $233,000 in scholarship funds since the plates first were made available. Award recipients and amounts are determined by an Alumni Association Scholarship Committee. The scholarships range from $1,500 to full tuition.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students.