
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth graduates received an unexpected and generous surprise during their commencement ceremony as billionaire entrepreneur Robert Hale Jr. gifted each of them $1,000 in cash.
Hale, the founder of Granite Telecommunications and with a net worth of $5.4 billion according to Forbes, delivered the announcement to the graduating class.
With two large duffle bags filled with cash on stage, Hale informed the students that they would each receive two envelopes containing $500. The first $500 was intended as a personal gift, while the second was to be donated to a charity or cause of the graduate’s choice, embodying Hale’s message of generosity and community support.
“Hale told the crowd about his career, including losing $1 billion nearly overnight, and urged them not to let failure define them, using his own life as an example of resilience and perseverance,” UMass Dartmouth explained in a statement.
During his address, Hale emphasized the importance of giving back, particularly in challenging times. “These trying times have heightened the need for sharing, caring, and giving,” he remarked. “Our community needs you and your generosity more than ever.”
NEW: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth speaker Robert Hale Jr. gives out $1000 each to 1,200 students during their graduation.
The billionaire handed out $1.2 million in total to the graduates as they crossed the stage to get their degrees.
Here's the catch. The students… pic.twitter.com/T76BPWk5hG
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 18, 2024
Hale’s gesture was met with surprise and gratitude from the graduates, totaling 1,200 in number, who were encouraged to make a positive impact in their communities.
To demonstrate their spirit of giving, philanthropists Robert and Karen Hale gifted each member of the UMass Dartmouth undergraduate Class of 2024 with $1,000 at today’s ceremony to help them start their journey with generosity. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/HR4peHyUn2
— UMass Dartmouth (@UMassD) May 16, 2024
Drawing from his own experiences, Hale shared insights on resilience and perseverance, urging graduates not to be discouraged by failure but to keep striving for success.
This act of philanthropy is not new for Hale, who similarly gifted $1,000 to all 2,523 graduates at UMass Boston last year and extended the same gesture to 230 graduates of Quincy College in 2021. His generosity has made a significant difference in the lives of students, providing financial support and inspiring a spirit of giving back.
As the Class of 2024 moves forward, Hale’s gift serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity and the positive impact individuals can have on their communities through acts of kindness and support.