Graduates of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth received an unexpected and generous gift at their commencement ceremony last week. Robert Hale Jr., the billionaire co-founder and president of Granite Telecommunications, surprised each of the 1,200 graduates with an envelope containing $1,000. However, there was a twist: each student was instructed to keep only $500 and donate the other $500 to a cause of their choice.
Hale, who is also a part-owner of the Boston Celtics, was present at the ceremony to accept the Chancellor’s Medal for his philanthropic work. He praised the students for their perseverance through the challenges posed by the pandemic and shared insights from his own career, urging them not to let failure define them. “The greatest joys in life that we have experienced have come from giving,” Hale said, referring to himself and his wife Karen. “We want to share that gift of giving with you today.”
The announcement of the cash gift was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the graduates, who had endured rainy weather during the ceremony. As students crossed the stage to receive their diplomas and envelopes, security officers brought two duffel bags filled with 3,000 cash-filled envelopes, which had been decorated by students from local elementary schools and labeled either “gift” or “give.”
This act of generosity was a complete surprise to the graduates and their guests, though some university staff were aware of the plan. The stipulation was clear: the first $500 was a gift for the graduates, while the second $500 was intended for them to donate to someone or an organization in need. Hale explained that the aim was to inspire the graduates to experience the joy of giving and to encourage a lifelong habit of philanthropy.
Of the 1,200 students in the Class of 2024, 40% are first-generation college students and 31% are students of color. Hale’s surprise gift had an immediate impact, with students already deciding where to donate their money. Some planned to give to a women’s shelter, a children’s theater organization, and a fundraiser for a relative’s cancer treatment.
Hale shared that it was exhilarating to witness the “unadulterated joy” on the students’ faces. “These are kids who are working their tails off to be there,” he said. “We all should be proud of them. And they could certainly use the gift, which is great.” His hope is that this experience will encourage the new graduates to continue giving throughout their lives.
Forbes estimates Hale’s net worth at $5.4 billion, placing him at #203 on its list of the 400 richest Americans. His wealth has grown by $2.2 billion since he first made the list in 2022. Over the years, Hale has donated over $270 million to various charitable causes, including cancer research and educational institutions. This isn’t the first time Hale has made such a generous gesture. Over the past three years, he has surprised graduates at Quincy College, Roxbury Community College, and UMass Boston with similar gifts.
Hale recounted a memorable instance from previous years when a single mother planned to give $100 to each of her five children. “In the 20 minutes between when we made that announcement and she got to the stage, she had made that decision and then shared it with me on the stage, which is pretty cool,” he said. He also mentioned a recent graduate who donated her money to a local charity that provides holiday gifts to children, an organization that had helped her in the past.
Reflecting on the initiative, Hale advised the new graduates, and anyone considering philanthropy, to choose a cause that is personally significant and to support it consistently over time. “To me, that’s the key ingredient, is how important it is to you,” he said, emphasizing his own focus on children and education. “Everybody has somewhat limited resources. So if you’re sharing them, it better be something that tugs at your heartstrings.”
Hale remained discreet about his future philanthropic plans but hinted that the joy of giving to graduates might lead to similar initiatives in the future. “Giving to college graduates is a blast,” he said, adding that it seems “pretty probable” he and his wife will continue this tradition. After this year’s event, they have no shortage of invitations.
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Background Information
1. UMass Dartmouth:
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, commonly referred to as UMass Dartmouth, is a public university located in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. It is part of the University of Massachusetts system and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study. The university is known for its commitment to research, academic excellence, and community engagement.
2. Commencement Ceremony:
A commencement ceremony, often referred to as graduation, is a formal event held by educational institutions to honor students who have completed their academic programs. During this ceremony, students receive their diplomas and are officially recognized as graduates. Commencement ceremonies typically include speeches from notable individuals, including faculty members, students, and guest speakers.
3. Robert Hale Jr.:
Robert Hale Jr. is a successful businessman and philanthropist. He is the co-founder and president of Granite Telecommunications, a Massachusetts-based company that provides communication services to businesses. In addition to his business endeavors, Hale is a part-owner of the Boston Celtics, a professional basketball team in the NBA. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, having donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education and cancer research.
4. Granite Telecommunications:
Granite Telecommunications is a company that offers communication services, such as phone and internet, to businesses across the United States. The company is known for its reliable services and customer-focused approach. It was co-founded by Robert Hale Jr. and has grown significantly under his leadership.
5. Philanthropy:
Philanthropy refers to the act of donating money, goods, services, or time to help others and support charitable causes. Philanthropists, like Robert Hale Jr., often use their wealth to make positive impacts on society by funding educational programs, medical research, community projects, and other initiatives that benefit the public.
6. Chancellor’s Medal:
The Chancellor’s Medal is an honor awarded by a university to individuals who have made significant contributions to the institution or society. It is typically given in recognition of outstanding achievements in fields such as education, research, or community service. In this case, Robert Hale Jr. received the Chancellor’s Medal for his philanthropic work.
7. First-Generation College Students:
First-generation college students are those who are the first in their families to attend college. This means that neither of their parents has earned a college degree. First-generation students often face unique challenges, such as navigating the college application process and balancing academic responsibilities with family obligations.
8. Forbes List of Richest Americans:
Forbes is a well-known business magazine that publishes an annual list of the richest individuals in the United States. This list ranks people based on their estimated net worth, which includes their assets and investments. Robert Hale Jr. is ranked #203 on Forbes’ list of the 400 richest Americans, with a net worth of $5.4 billion.
9. Donation and Charitable Causes:
Donating money to charitable causes involves giving financial support to organizations or individuals in need. Charitable causes can include a wide range of initiatives, such as providing shelter for the homeless, supporting medical research, funding education programs, and aiding disaster relief efforts. In this article, graduates were encouraged to donate part of their gift to causes that are meaningful to them.
10. The Pandemic and Its Impact on Education:
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on education systems worldwide. Schools and universities were forced to close temporarily, and many shifted to online learning to continue educating students. The pandemic created challenges for students, such as adapting to remote learning, dealing with increased stress, and managing the uncertainty of their academic and professional futures.
11. The Importance of Giving:
Giving, in the context of philanthropy, is seen as a way to contribute to the well-being of others and make a positive difference in society. Philanthropists like Robert Hale Jr. believe that giving not only helps those in need but also brings joy and fulfillment to the giver. This article highlights the idea that giving can be a powerful and rewarding experience.
Debate/Essay Questions
- Should wealthy individuals be expected to give back to their communities through philanthropy? Why or why not?
- Do you think Robert Hale’s requirement for graduates to donate half of their gift teaches an important lesson about giving, or does it impose an undue burden on the recipients? Explain your reasoning.
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