Feb. 8, 2008

AUBURN - Nominations are currently being accepted for the Walter Gilbert Award which is presented annually to one of Auburn's prominent and distinguished athletic alumni. The award is presented each fall at one of the Tigers' football games.

The Walter Gilbert Award recognizes Auburn athletes who have distinguished themselves through achievements after graduation from Auburn. Only those varsity athletes who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen field by 20 or more years of superior performance will be eligible for the Gilbert Award.

Walter Gilbert was Auburn's second All-American football player. He made All-America as a center in 1934, 1935 and 1936. He was later selected for membership in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Gilbert went to work for Texaco two days after graduating from Auburn and became head of Texaco's European oil operations before retiring in 1977. He lived in Auburn from 1977 until his death in 1979 and was an avid supporter of Auburn's athletic program.

The deadline for nominating individuals for the Walter Gilbert Award is June 15, 2008.

For additional information and nomination forms, please contact Beverly DeVane 334-844-4288, 334-844-4025 (fax), or e-mail devanbl@auburn.edu.

Walter Gilbert Award

The Walter Gilbert Award recognizes Auburn student-athletes who have distinguished themselves as alumni. Only those who were varsity athletes and who have received a baccalaureate degree from Auburn University will be considered for this award. Generally the individual must have demonstrated excellence in his or her profession and/or in service to others by twenty or more years of superior performance after graduation.

Walter Gilbert was Auburn's second All-American football player. He made All-American as a center in 1934, 1935 and 1936. He was later selected for membership in the College Football Hall of Fame. Gilbert went to work for Texaco two days after graduating from Auburn and became head of Texaco's European oil operations before retiring in 1977. He lived in Auburn from 1977 until his death in 1979 and was an avid supporter of Auburn's athletic program.

The Walter Gilbert award will be presented when an individual with truly outstanding credentials is identified. For those years in which a recipient is selected, a plaque will be presented to the recipient at a ceremony during a home football game during the fall. Further, the names of all recipients are engraved on a master plaque displayed in a prominent position within the AU Athletic Department.

Nominations for the Walter Gilbert Award may be submitted by any individual through the Athletic Department, the Alumni Office, or the Office of the President of Auburn University. Nomination forms are available upon request. It is the responsibility of the individual submitting the nomination to insure that the qualifications of the nominee are well documented. Letters of recommendation are welcome.

All nomination information will be reviewed by the Auburn University Faculty Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics, which has responsibility for the selection of the recipient.