FROM STUDENT TO STEWARD
GMercyU Board Member Chad Punchard’ 04 attended the University as a working adult to complete his bachelor’ s degree in Organizational Development, taking mostly evening classes.
“ It wasn’ t easy,” he recalls,“ but I had great professors who really prepared me for what I was doing during the day, which was trying to run a small business. My experience really helped forge my business acumen for my day job, which ended up being tremendously beneficial.”
That day job was running his family’ s business, Comstar Supply Co, a national distributor of materials and tools for broadband construction. Launched by his father and later overseen by Chad, Comstar was eventually acquired by USTC Corp, now called Netceed.
GMercyU’ s core value of service to society helped make Chad feel at home as a student, where so many of his fellow classmates were of the same mindset. Their ambition was just as inspiring as their values.
“ We were a community of young professionals,” said Chad.“ It was galvanizing, working during the day and grinding it out at night [ at school ] together.”
His appreciation for progress is what drew Chad back to the University as a board member.“ I think the University is doing so well because we’ ve taken progressive action to improve and grow when some of our peer universities are doing the opposite.”
Creating the Punchard Family Fan Experience A lifelong baseball fan, Chad saw an opportunity to enhance the fan experience at GMercyU’ s Frank O. Genuardi Legends Baseball and Softball Fields. For the 2027 season, new outdoor bleachers, steel canopy structures, audio equipment, and upgrades to both fields to strengthen Wifi will further enhance the spectator experience and livestreaming capabilities.
SUPPORT FROM THE COMMONWEALTH
Recognizing GMercyU’ s impact on local employment and economic activity, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded the University multiple Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program( RACP) grants throughout the Mercy in Motion Campaign.
• $ 2 million RACP grant for phase one of The Triplex Project, including renovations to the interior of the University’ s oldest residence hall, Loyola Hall, with energy-efficient lighting, new air conditioning, new flooring and finishes, and new accessible bathroom facilities
• $ 1.25 million RACP grant for exterior site work for the Frances M. Maguire’ 55 Healthcare Innovation Center, including paving, curbing, site utilities, stormwater management, and landscaping
• $ 1 million RACP grant to renovate the University’ s Griffin Complex and Waldron Center to enhance enrichment programs that improve the student experience and expand community outreach
Plans are also in the works for new branding and signage opportunities for future corporate sponsors.
“ People will be able to sit relatively free from the elements and enjoy the games a little more comfortably,” he said.“ With all of the improvements, we’ ll be able to rent out the fields more often to generate additional revenue for GMercyU.”
The Punchard family
12 CAMPAIGN IMPACT REPORT