Just now, a select number of newly graduated individuals were presented with a unique and significant graduation gift.
During the commencement ceremony held on May 16 at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2024, one of the speakers, Robert Hale Jr., brought a wonderful surprise to the 1,200 graduates who were there. This brought a ray of sunshine to the otherwise cloudy occasion.
The founder and CEO of Granite Telecommunications, who was awarded the Chancellor’s Medal for his philanthropic work at the ceremony, revealed that he had more than just advice for the newly graduated students after delivering a speech about the importance of failure and perseverance. He recalled an instance in which he lost one billion dollars.
Immediately before to the commencement of the degree conferral ceremony at Cressy Field, Hale made his way back to the platform and shared with the audience that “the greatest joys” that he and his wife Karen have had in their lives are “the gift of giving.” He then proceeded to provide this gift to the individuals who would soon be graduating from the institution.
In addition to praising the kids for the “turbulence” they had “weathered,” Hale said, “We decided that after this talk of giving, let’s act on giving.”
“Every single one of you is going to receive a cash prize of $1,000,” he informed the Class of 2024, who enthusiastically clapped and dropped their mouths in surprise.
The philanthropist and businessman distributed the present by bringing two huge duffel bags onto the stage. Each of the bags had envelopes that were loaded with cash, and the graduates of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth would take the envelopes along with their diplomas as they crossed the stage, according to him.
In reality, however, the pupils will only be entitled to half of the total amount. According to Hale, the remaining $500 must be donated to a person who is in need or to a cause that is near and dear to their hearts.
He informed the soon-to-be graduates, who were buzzing with enthusiasm, that “We want to give you two gifts,” and they were thrilled. Our first present to you is the gift of giving, and the second gift is the gift of giving.”
The cash-filled envelopes, which were “customized” by primary school pupils, were labeled either “gift” or “give,” depending on the recipient’s preference.
According to Hale, “These trying times have increased the need for sharing, caring, and giving,” and he went on to say that “Our community and our world need our assistance now more than they ever have before.”
