Six months of phone calls, e-mails, and persistence has finally come to fruition.  Mike Fernandez (LSUAA – Greater Houston Chapter – Vice President Elect) and John Pierce (LSUAA Dallas Chapter – Membership Chair) first touched base six months ago after learning of LSU Alumni in Georgia successfully campaigning for their own LSU Collegiate License Plate in their state.  This accomplishment raised the question in both men’s minds, “Why hasn’t Texas done this?”  The answer was easy- nobody had ever taken the time to do it!  Mike and John formed a quick friendship, despite having never met, and put the bulk of the project squarely on their shoulders.  With Houston and Dallas boasting the two largest concentrations of LSU Alumni, they had no choice but to spearhead the effort.

They began by making phone calls and sending e-mails to Texas Dept. of Transportation (TDoT) and LSU seeking answers and help.  Brian Hommel of the LSU Licensing Dept. supplied the design for TDoT and Tracy Jones of LSUAA aided us in acquiring alumni addresses in metropolitan areas throughout the state. Tammy Belk at TDoT assisted us in navigating uncharted waters to successfully receive approval of our application, the first for an out of state institution!

Once they figured out what they needed to do in order to make the license plates a reality, they quickly enlisted the help of their board members and other alumni.  Both chapters set up online ordering through their websites and began a vigorous e-mail campaign that drove interested parties to their sites. Formal application was made to TDoT in late July.

Next, they looked to reach out to other LSUAA Chapters in the State.  Chapters from Texarkana, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, N Houston and Beaumont all took part in driving sales and marketing the License Plate.  DandyDon.com, TigerDroppings.com, and other religiously read LSU Athletic websites were kind enough to help us spread the word as well.  Just as Tiger Fans do for their Alma Mater’s sporting events, so too was their support for the License Plates. They went nuts about it!  Orders and e-mails began pouring in.  The LSU Alumni in Texas were excited and wanted their plates ASAP!

Well, Texas Tigers, you can sleep easy now.  Acceptance of our application came the week of Thanksgiving and what you see pictured above is a production sample of your very own LSU Collegiate License Plate for the State of Texas, “GEAUX TIGERS,” and all.  Mike and John used the weekend after Christmas to meet for the first time and for a quick photo-op of their nearly accomplished mission.  The Tiger Tandem still has some ground to cover before the plates make their debut on the open road, but they expect to see them in the first quarter of 2009.

Production began the first week of February. Now that TDoT has established availability of the LSU Alumni Association plates on their website, all orders are now being directed through your nearest tax office. This form can be used to order auto, truck, motor home and light trailer vehicles as well as motorcycles and souvenir plates. It also allows purchasers the option of regular specialty plates or personalized specialty plates and is a way for owners of personalized plates to transfer their plates to personalized LSU plates as well. Remember, the LSU Alumni Association is listed as an Organization rather than in the College or University section as this still applies to In State Schools. The menu will walk you through the process. Should you have problems, contact John Pierce at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Mike and John want to thank everyone for their support and words of encouragement.  Without the generosity and assistance of the LSU alumni across the state, this dream would never have become a reality.

Help us reach our goal. In early December, a generous alumnus made an $8,000 refundable loan to begin early production of the license plates.  The statewide order total must reach 1,900 before the money is returned.  On Feb. 1st, the order total stood at 1,335!  Help your fellow Tigers by ordering your plates today! If you haven’t ordered your plates yet and want to be included in the first wave of production, order today at the on line link below! Don’t miss out!