May 19, 2015
Honk If You Love PC
Retired Col. Raymond J. Miller ’71 had “PC 1971” on his plate while serving as an assistant professor of military science at the College from 1985 to 1988 and while stationed in Massachusetts as an Army ROTC brigade commander for New England colleges from 1993 to 1996. Now, his Virginia plate proclaims “71FRIAR.”
P
atricia (Higgins) Schmidt ’06 received her “PC 006” plate during her senior year as an early graduation surprise from her parents. “To me, this is more than just a license plate — it’s a piece of PC that I bring with me everywhere I travel. I am so proud to be a Friar, and my car is too!” she said.
In the 1980s, Gary Archer ’73 moved to New Hampshire, which has one of the highest numbers of vanity plates per capita, and did what the locals do — got a vanity plate. With only six characters to work with, he chose “PCFRIR,” which prompted questions. Archer added the “A” when New Hampshire expanded to seven characters, but when he later moved to Massachusetts, he had to return to the shorter version. “I have to admit, more people down in this area know what it means,” Archer said.
Tom O’Connor ’75’s “PC FAM” plate reflects three generations — and even includes a Dominican. It includes his father, Thomas P. O’Connor ’36; his brothers, Brian ’65 and John ’68; and his daughter, Allison ’10, as well as his uncle, Rev. John O’Connor, O.P.
Dan Gleason ’05 and his wife, Katelyn Gleason ’08, decided that “FRIAR” was the most appropriate plate for their white and black Jeep Wrangler.
Do you share your PC pride on your bumper? Show us! Take a picture of your license plate and send it along with a brief narrative to: editormagazine@providence.edu.
