A parting lesson for UMass graduates included over $1 million in cash handouts with one critical catch on “the joy of the gift of giving.”
Robert Hale Jr., the billionaire founder of Granite Telecommunications in Quincy, Massachusetts and part owner of the Boston Celtics made it rain in a different way Thursday at the shower-soaked commencement for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
While he was there to receive the UMass Dartmouth Chancellor’s Medal for his philanthropy, he offered the 1,200 graduates a first-hand experience in the same with $1,000 giveaways with their diplomas.
The stipulation, Hale made clear when security hauled bags containing envelopes of $500 each, was that no student was to keep the entire award for themselves.
“The first $500 is our gift to you. The second $500 is for you to give to somebody else or another organization who could use it more than you,” the billionaire explained to a cheering crowd of poncho-wearing and umbrella-holding graduates. “Share in the joy of the gift of giving.”
“These trying times have heightened the need for sharing, caring, and giving. Our community needs you and your generosity more than ever,” expressed Hale.
“These trying times have heightened the need for sharing, caring, and giving,” Hale said as he encouraged each graduate to give half of their gift to another person or cause.
What an impactful moment! (2/2)
— UMass Dartmouth (@UMassD) May 16, 2024
In their own press release regarding the surprise gift courtesy of the CEO and his wife, Karen Hale, UMass Dartmouth recounted the message from the businessman who’d experienced highs and lows along his path to success.
“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,” wrote the university.
“As the degree conferral was about to begin, Hale came forward and let the graduates know he had one more bit of advice for them. He told the eager crowd that for him and his wife Karen, ‘the greatest joys we’ve had in our life have been the gift of giving.’ Hale let the Class of 2024 know that the two large duffle bags being brought up on stage by security were packed with envelopes full of cash,” reported the school.
“‘Our community and our world need our help now more than ever,’ said Hale,” as the release indicated that the graduating class taking home the cash gifts was made up of 40% first-generation students as well as “31% students of color.”
Additionally, while the envelope giveaway had been kept a secret from the students, Hale’s Thursday handout established a pattern for the billionaire after he had offered the same stipulated gift to the graduating class of 2023 from the University of Massachusetts Boston.
At the time, Hale had told CNN’s John King, “We hope (they) take the money, give it to an individual or an organization and feel the joy, and I am telling you, it is intoxicating…and they will want to do it more frequently.”
“It will become a trait that carries on for the rest of their lives,” he added.
The sentiment was well met on social media where many people lauded both the generosity and the lesson it stood to instill.
That’s pretty awesome! It’s not every day you see someone give back like that. The idea of splitting it so students can also help others is a nice touch. I bet it made the graduation even more memorable for everyone involved.
— Victoria Kay (@babevickycruz) May 18, 2024
Bless him
— Sandra Eddy (@Amoreena1968) May 18, 2024
Love this!
Faith
Hope
Charity— MimiMable (@TeresaGunz) May 18, 2024
It is just a great reminder that many people are out there using their blessings and giftings to make the world a little better.
— Jacob Hayward (@thejacobhayward) May 18, 2024
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Author: Kevin Haggerty
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