I see lots of license plate frames out there that demonstrate the car owner’s pride in the college he attended – you know, the place where he got his higher edumacation.  These frames, almost without exception, use the word “Alumni” at the top, followed by the institution at the bottom.

Like:

ALUMNI

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Now, it’s pretty clear, according to several reference websites, that “alumni” is the plural of “alumnus,” which means “a graduate of, or someone who attended, a college (or perhaps a high school).”

What else is clear is that “alumnus” is the singular form of the noun – originally reserved for a male.  Singular for a female is “alumna.”  “Alumni” is the male plural.  “Alumnae” the plural for female.  (One may use “alumni” as the plural when referring to graduates/attendees of both sexes.)

So, what is someone who has the frame “Alumni . . .” trying to say?

I suppose that it’s possible that two (or more) persons connected to the vehicle in question graduated from, or attended, the college included on the frame.

It’s also conceivable that the frame means to suggest:  “Member, University of Michigan Alumni Association.”

Yet, I fear that what is intended is:  “The driver (or owner) of this car is an alumni of the University of Michigan.”

No, you’re not.