WASHINGTON, D.C. July 5, 2011 – Geraldine Lanier, assistant vice president of human resources at GEICO, was honored by University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Alumni Association as this year's recipient of the UMUC Achiever Award.
Lanier, an UMUC alumnus, was recognized for her commitment to the university, as well as her ability to balance professional development needs and single-parent responsibilities. During her 40-year career at GEICO, she has held various management positions in the company's Dallas and Fredericksburg, Va. regional offices and later at GEICO headquarters. Through GEICO's tuition reimbursement program, Lanier was able to attend UMUC at the same time as her son who was awarded the GEICO Family Scholarship. With GEICO's support, Lanier achieved her dream of obtaining a bachelor's degree in business management while her son received a bachelor's degree in engineering.
"If you work for a great company, you are the only one who can limit your dreams," said Lanier. "Although I had dreams of my own, I had bigger dreams for my son. I'm glad GEICO gave us the opportunity to get an education and develop the skills needed in today's workforce."
Inspired by her own experience at UMUC, Lanier helped build GEICO's partnership with UMUC, which offers GEICO associates a 25-percent discount on out-of-state tuition for online and on-campus classes. This partnership also led to the establishment of the UMUC scholarship fund, designed to assist spouses and children of federal and military service members. GEICO recently donated $105,000 to UMUC that will be used to establish a special scholarship fund for UMUC students.
"Geri is a passionate advocate for UMUC and always available to lend a helping hand," said Theresa Poussaint, associate vice president of alumni relations at UMUC. "We are honored to include Geri among this year's Achiever Award recipients."
The UMUC Achiever Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution in support of UMUC's mission. Lanier and other recipients were honored during the 21st Annual Meeting and Awards Reception on June 17, held at the UMUC Inn and Conference Center in Adelphi, Md.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 11 million private passenger customers and insures more than 18 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
GEICO's online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes, claims reporting and to print insurance ID cards.
GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
For more information, go to www.geico.com.
