Graduates at UMass Dartmouth experienced an unexpected delight at their commencement ceremony, thanks to billionaire Robert Hale Jr. Alongside their diplomas, students received envelopes containing hundreds of dollars in cash. However, there was a twist: half of the money was for them, and the other half was to be donated to someone or an organization in need.
Robert Hale Jr., co-founder of Granite Telecommunications and part-owner of the Boston Celtics, was present to receive the Chancellor’s Medal for his philanthropic efforts. During his speech, he praised the graduates for their perseverance through the pandemic and shared his philosophy on the joy of giving.
As the ceremony proceeded, Hale interrupted to announce a special gift for each graduate—$1,000, split into two parts. The first $500 was a personal gift, while the second $500 was to be given away to someone in greater need. This act of generosity was accompanied by black duffel bags filled with 3,000 envelopes, handed out to the graduates by security officers.
Hale’s gesture aimed to inspire the new graduates to experience the joy of giving and to continue this practice throughout their lives. This isn’t the first time Hale has done something similar; he has previously surprised graduates at other institutions with cash gifts intended for themselves and for charitable donations.
The impact of Hale’s generosity was immediate, with graduates already planning their donations to various causes, including women’s shelters, children’s theaters, and family medical treatments. Hale believes in choosing causes that are meaningful and supporting them regularly, encouraging the graduates to carry forward this spirit of giving.
Hale hinted that he and his wife Karen might continue this tradition, given the positive response and numerous invitations they have received. The couple’s commitment to philanthropy shines as a beacon of hope and generosity for the new graduates, setting an example of kindness and community spirit.