Oct. 26, 2007

Auburn, Ala. -

Former Auburn football player D. Gaines Lanier will be presented the 2007 Walter Gilbert Award at halftime of the Tigers' game against Ole Miss at Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday.

            The Walter Gilbert Award is given annually to former Auburn athletes who have distinguished themselves through achievements after graduation from Auburn.  The award is given in memory of the Tigers' three-time All-America center Walter Gilbert, who later became vice president of Texaco's European Oil Operations.

            "I have been very blessed in both my personal life and business career.  But being the recipient of this award means more to me than any recognition I could receive.  It not only recognizes the time at Auburn University as a student athlete but the 30 plus years of a life pursuit. On behalf of my entire family I would like to thank both Auburn University and the Auburn University Athletic Department," said Lanier.

            A native of Lanett, Ala., Lanier earned a football scholarship to Auburn in 1970 and lettered at defensive tackle from 1972-74, while playing for legendary Coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan. He graduated from Auburn in 1974 with a bachelor of science in business administration.

            After graduation, Lanier's career started at Continental Insurance Company where he stayed until he joined his family's insurance business in 1976. J. Smith Lanier & Co., which is now 139 years old, had gone through four previous generations before Lanier took over. In just 10 years, Lanier was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer. In 1999, Lanier became President and CEO of the entire company. The most recent change came in 2005 when Lanier was promoted to Chairman and CEO.

            "Gaines Lanier is an individual who has been extremely successful in all facets of his life, from his time as an Auburn student-athlete, to his professional accomplishments and his personal endeavors," said Auburn Athletics Director Jay Jacobs. "He is an individual who exemplifies the finest characteristics of an Auburn student-athlete. I have had the good fortune to grow up in the same community as Gaines and have known the entire Lanier family for most of my life.  Gaines is an outstanding individual who is very deserving of this prestigious award."

            While leading the company, Lanier has grown it from a small local insurance agency into the 27th largest insurance brokerage and the 10th largest privately-owned broker in the United States. J. Smith Lanier & Co. employs over 600 employees in nine divisions and 18 branches in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky.

            In addition to forming J. Smith Lanier & Co. into a multi-million dollar business, Lanier has served as a member of various business and civic organizations and boards. The list includes the Auburn University College of Business Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees for the Chattahoochee Valley Educational Foundation. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation and most recently, the Auburn University Board of Trustees, where he represents District 5 and is the newest board member.

            Lanier and his wife Sonia, live in Lanett, Alabama.  He has two daughters, Ashley and Lindsey, both Auburn graduates.

            Lanier is the 27th recipient of the Walter Gilbert Award.

Walter Gilbert Award Recipients:

Year               Athlete                                           Sport

1981               Joe Stewart                                   Football

1982               Thomas K. McGehee                  Football

1983               Joel Eaves                                    Football

1984               Dr. David Middleton                     Football

1985               William A. Fickling, Jr.                 Basketball

1986               Ted Fereira                                   Football

1987               John Adcock                                 Football

1988               Bill Nichols                                   Football

1989               C.H. "Babe" McGehee                Football

1990               Billy Hitchcock                              Baseball, Football

1991               Vince Dooley                                Football, Basketball

1992               Jeff Beard                                      Track

1993               Morris Savage                              Football

1994               Ed Dyas                                         Football

1995               Lloyd Nix                                        Football

1996               Richard Guthrie                           Football, Track

1997               Jim Voss                                       Wrestling

1998               Ernie Warren                                Football

1999               Dr. James E. Martin                    Basketball

2000               John Mengelt                                Basketball

2001               Hal Herring                                   Football

2002               Jim Fibbe                                      Basketball

2003               Mac Crawford                               Football

2004               Charles Carlan                            Baseball

2005               David Marsh                                 Swimming

2006               R. Kenneth Johns                       Football

2007               D. Gaines Lanier                         Football