NORTH DARTMOUTH, Massachusetts.WJW) – University of Massachusetts Dartmouth graduates walked away from graduation with more than just their diplomas. They also received some unexpected money in their pockets.
During the graduation ceremony Last week, commencement speaker Robert Hale Jr., founder and CEO of Granite Telecommunications, announced that each graduate would receive $1,000 in envelopes.
“Each of you is getting $1,000 in cash now,” Hale said. The crowd, wearing ponchos and umbrellas because of the rain, broke into applause. (You can watch their reaction here.) The security guards then carried the backpacks full of money to the stage.
But the offer came with a special detail.
Graduates were instructed to save $500 as a gift, but the other $500 had to be donated to someone in need or a charity of their choice.
“These difficult times have increased the need to share, care and give. Our community needs you and your generosity more than ever,” Hale said. “The greatest joys we experience in life have come from giving. We want to share that gift of giving with you today.”
Hale has an estimated net worth of $5.4 billion, according to Forbes. He received the Chancellor’s Medal from UMass Dartmouth for the philanthropic work he and his wife Karen have done over the years.
According to the University, the envelopes were given to approximately 1,200 students in the class of 2024. Students did not know in advance that Hale would be the commencement speaker, nor that he would be donating money.
It’s the fourth year in a row that Hale has given a similar gift to a group of graduating students. Last year it was for students at UMass Boston, and before that it was for students at Roxbury Community College and Quincy College.
He said local elementary schools personalize the two envelopes given to each student. One says “Gift” and the other says “Give” and each contains $500. He acknowledged there was no way to guarantee students would donate half the money.
“But I believe the vast majority do the right thing and are happy because of it,” he said.
Hale is — unsurprisingly — highly sought after as a commencement speaker and has said he plans to donate more money next year. But the graduation he will attend again will remain a surprise.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
