Billionaire wins over Internet as he gifts $1K to each UMass Dartmouth graduate but under a condition

DARTMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS: A group of new graduates from Dartmouth, Massachusetts were surprised as they received a special and meaningful graduation gift. 

At the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s 2024 commencement on May 16, one of the ceremony’s speakers, billionaire and local philanthrophist Robert Hale Jr, brightened up the rainy day with a special surprise for the crop of 1,200 graduates.

What was Robert Hale Jr's gift for the graduates?

The founder and CEO of Granite Telecommunications, who was awarded the college's Chancellor's Medal for his philanthropic work at the ceremony, gave a speech about failure and perseverance, sharing a story of a time when he lost $1 billion, as per TMZ.

He said he had more advice for the graduates. Hale Jr returned to the stage moments before the university's Cressy Field was set to begin its degree ceremony. He reminded the audience that "the greatest joys" he and his wife Karen had experienced in life was "the gift of giving". He then handed the soon-to-be alumni this gift.

"We decided that after this talk of giving, let’s act on giving,” Hale said as he lauded the students for the “turbulence” they’ve “weathered".

"Each of you is getting $1,000 cash,” he told the Class of 2024, who cheered loudly as their jaws dropped in suprise.

To deliver the gift, the businessman-philanthropist brought two large duffel bags onto the platform. Each bag had envelopes containing $1,000, which the UMass Dartmouth graduates were to collect as they exited the stage. However, the graduates will only own half of the total amount. Hale insisted that the remaining $500 be donated to a worthy organization or someone in need.

"We want to give you two gifts,” he told the soon-to-be grads, who buzzed with excitement. “The first is our gift to you, the second is the gift of giving.”

The cash-filled envelopes, which were “customized” by elementary school students, were labeled either “gift” or “give,” accordingly.

"These trying times have heightened the need for sharing, caring and giving,” Hale said, adding, “Our community and our world need our help now more than ever.”

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth posted a video on Instagram with the caption, "This moment! To demonstrate their spirit of giving, philanthropists Robert and Karen Hale gifted each member of the UMass Dartmouth undergraduate Class of 2024 in attendance with $1,000 at today’s ceremony to help them start their journey with generosity. What an impactful moment!"

Internet reacts to Robert Hale Jr's generous gesture

Much like the graduates who received the gift, the Internet was equally thrilled hearing about Robert Hale Jr's gesture.

A user said on Instagram, "My daughter was so happy."

A user said, "That's amazing !!!! Now for the class of 2011 and we still owe money hahahah yayyy…. always love und baby!!" 

Another said, "Very generous and our students absolutely deserve it so happy for those that graduated today!"

 A user said, "Wow!!! Must be nice!!"

The next user said, "Wow, incredible gift - hope others are inspired and start a chain reaction for good change! And or maybe the graduates get to play it forward some day!." 

While a user said, "This is so good."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.