– Billionaire gifted UMass Dartmouth graduates with envelopes containing $1,000 each
– Graduates were asked to give $500 to someone else or an organization in need
– Hale received UMass Dartmouth Chancellor’s Medal for his philanthropy work during the ceremony
During the commencement ceremony at UMass Dartmouth, CEO Robert Hale Jr. gifted each of the 1,200 graduating students with envelopes full of cash totaling $1,000. Each student received two envelopes, with one labeled “gift” and the other labeled “give.” Hale explained that the first $500 was a gift to the students, while the second $500 was intended for them to give to someone else or an organization in need. This act of generosity amounted to around $1.2 million. Hale emphasized the importance of sharing, caring, and giving, especially during challenging times.
The ceremony, where the cash giveaway took place, was shared online in a video by the school. In addition to donating money to the students, Hale also received the UMass Dartmouth Chancellor’s Medal for his philanthropy work. While representatives for UMass Dartmouth and Hale did not respond to comments, this act of generosity stands out during a year marked by controversy in college graduation ceremonies across the United States. Issues such as the conflict in Gaza led to cancellations of commencement ceremonies at some schools, including Columbia University, and protests at Duke University during a speech by comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Amid these challenging times, Hale’s gesture serves as a reminder of the significance of generosity and community support.