SUU License Plates Support Students

When an alumnus or community member buys an SUU license plate, it does more than allow free parking on campus; it also helps fund needed scholarships that change the lives of students.

One such student is Alexis Molnar, a senior graphic design major from Las Vegas, Nevada, who came to Southern Utah University and worried about making ends meet. At one point, she worked two jobs while going to school full-time and maintaining a 3.91 GPA through 76 credits.

Molnar said her scholarship allowed her to gain new experiences by serving in the graphic design club and volunteering as a graphic designer for the SUU Admissions Office, and less time worrying about making ends meet.

“When I found out that I had received this scholarship, I was brought to tears,” Molnar said. “I have been able to work less and focus more on my upper division coursework. During this time, I also received scholarship housing which helps my husband and me even more. This scholarship is a blessing to our lives and I am forever grateful!”

A shock came to Kelton Chapman, a junior communication major from Oak City, Utah, when he received a scholarship that was solely funded by SUU license plates. Chapman said he is grateful for alumni and community members for supporting SUU.

“It means a great deal that other people are willing to sacrifice something to help me in my schooling,” said Chapman, who plans on graduate school after he graduates from SUU. 

Another student who has her sights set on graduate school is Hadlie Visser, a sophomore elementary education major from Layton, Utah. Visser loves to read, be outside and plans on becoming an elementary school teacher after her SUU graduation.

“Not only does it (the scholarship) help me pay for school, but it also gives me confidence in myself,” Visser said. “Knowing that someone else believes in me enough to help me through school makes me feel more able to achieve the things I want to in college.”

Single mother of one and full-time student, Heather Gow, a freshman from Hampton, Virginia, came to SUU even though odds were against her finishing her education after she was divorced. 

Gow said she is willing to do anything to provide for her child who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, which meant going back to school. 

“The scholarship showed me that I have support here at SUU and there are people willing to invest in my future,” Gow said. “When all the odds seemed stacked against me, having the support makes all the difference!” 

“All of us at SUU are so grateful for the support alumni and community members give our students,” said Mindy Benson, vice president for alumni and community relations. “Scholarships funded through the SUU license plate program do make a difference, and your support is vital to our students’ educational success.”

Alumni and community members wishing to purchase an SUU license plate and assist a student with his or her education, can do so for $25 at your local Utah Department of Motor Vehicles office. For more details, call the Alumni & Community Relations Office at 586-7777.