Matthew Richter

Current Position: Area Loss Prevention Manager at Harbor Freight Tools

Story Last Updated: Summer 2024

I loved the class sizes. Over my four years, I truly did build some great relationships with my classmates. It felt like everything that was accomplished, was done so because of teamwork.

Journey to GMercyU

Matt Richter graduated from Boyertown High School in Boyertown, Pa. in 2011. When Matt was a high school freshman, his older brother, Zach, was recruited for GMercyU's men's lacrosse team. Fast forward a few years, and Matt was recruited for the men's lacrosse team, as well.

"Ultimately, my decision to enroll at GMercyU came down to a few things: the Criminal Justice program, being able to play lacrosse at the collegiate level, and being able to attend college with my brother," Matt said.

Life on Campus

Matt enjoyed playing on the Men's Lacrosse Team all four years. In his junior year, he was named the team's Captain and held the position his senior year, as well.

Beyond athletics, Matt was inducted into Alphi Phi Sigma, the Criminal Justice Honor Society. He was also a member of the Criminal Justice Club.

Experience in the Criminal Justice Program

"I loved every bit of the program. The small class sizes allowed me to build relationships with my classmates that would last throughout my entire time at GMercyU. We were able to set up study groups that allowed us to all succeed together," Matt said.

Matt expressed that the course load was always interesting and enaging, and that his professors played "an integral part in my success later in life."

One faculty member that stood out is Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Patrick McGrain, PhD.

He wanted us to be curious and to always confront the 'norm.' He wanted us to challenge the status quo and to find the real answers to problems in the Criminal Justice system, no matter how uncomfortable the truth might be.

Internship Experience

Matt completed an internship with the Consolidated Rail Corporation (CONRAIL). Specifically, he worked in the Private Sector of the Risk Management Department.

"During my internship, I helped edit contingency plans that were put in place for possible attacks/threats on high value railroad targets that would impact high volume cities (cities, sports stadiums, transit lines, etc.)," Matt said.

He also had the opportunity to conduct "ride-alongs" with the Norfolk Southern Police Department. The department had jurisdiction over some railroad lines in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Matt learned about the relationship between the private and public sectors, namely TSA and the Department of Transportation, and how they help one another to reach a common goal.

Post-Graduation

Since graduating, Matt has married a GMercyU alumna, Katelyn Spiel, who works as an ICU nurse and has re-enrolled at GMercyU to earn another degree. In 2021, the couple bought their first home together. They love to travel and go on vacations with other GMercyU alumni and their dog TJ.

Matt started his current role in January 2022 at Harbor Freight Tools where he serves as Area Loss Prevention Manager. In his role, he handles theft/fraud investigations and safety/security prevention and response. Matt oversees approximately 75 stores across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Prior to Harbor Freight Tools, Matt held a similar position at Target from 2015-2021.

What's great about the Criminal Justice field is that my career has crossed paths with some former classmates, so we continue to work together.

Why Attend GMercyU?

"GMercyU has done so much for me personally and professionally. Though I did have a family member at GMercyU before I enrolled, when I left I had a much greater feeling of 'family.' The teammates and classmates I had during my time are still relationships I hold close to this day," Matt said.

Matt expressed that the courses and professors that he had allowed him to grow as an individual and become prepared for the working world. He was able to develop new perspectives and gain insights that he previously did not have.

GMercyU truly focused on growing the individual student, not just checking off a box.