USM College of Business Honors Gregory, Schmersahl as Alumni of Year

Todd Gregory and Brandt Schmersahl, both executives with the Cintas Corporation, have been recognized as Alumni of the Year by the College of Business at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Gregory, a 1981 graduate, and Schmersahl, a 1976 graduate, were honored during an awards ceremony held earlier this month on the Hattiesburg campus. Gregory serves as vice president for the south central territory of the U.S. at Cintas, while Schmersal is regional human resources director for the company.

“Todd Gregory has led the Business Advisory Council, hired students for internships and jobs. Brandt Schmersahl has participated in mock interviews, Experience Business Casually and worked to connect students with opportunities at Cintas,” said Dr. Faye Gilbert, dean of the USM College of Business. “Both of these alumni are great examples of lives well lived. We are excited to honor them as our alumni of the year.”

In his role at Cintas, Gregory is responsible for all business activities in Louisiana, Mississippi and portions of Alabama and Florida. After graduating from USM, Gregory began his career with Cintas in 1982 as a management trainee. He advanced through the ranks, holding numerous positions prior to his officer appointment.

Gregory contributes his time and talents to numerous organizations including the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the USM Foundation, the College of Business Advisory Council and Hosanna Lutheran Church.

He is a past graduate of Leadership St. Tammany, an active supporter of civic organizations within his community and a co-founder of the 100 Club of St. Tammany which provides support to families of law officers injured or killed in the line of duty.

Gregory lives in Mandeville, La., with his wife, Marie, and enjoys spending time with daughters Shelby, Mallory, Megan, Brooke and Brandy, son-in-law Chad and their most recent addition, granddaughter Olive.

Following graduation from USM, Schmersahl worked for McRae's department store for 19 years, starting as a management trainee and working his way up to regional store director. He has been with Cintas Corporation for 21 years and has served in various capacities, including sales, field HR manager, corporate director of staffing programs, and his current position of regional HR director.

Schmersahl was very active while at USM, participating in Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Interfraternity Council, Student Affairs Court, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity (founding member), the Business Students Advisory Council and virtually all intramural sports.

He is a life member of the Southern Miss Alumni Association and has served on or been a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Business Advisory Council, Eagle Club, Rankin County Alumni Association (past president), Sigma Phi Epsilon Alumni Board (past president), West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, West Alabama United Way, and many others.

Schmersahl and his wife, Jo Ann, have two children and one grandchild.