Most college graduations are long and, let’s be honest, boring for most people unless there’s a celebrity speaker. But, if a caveman kicker from a profession football team isn’t available, a speaker who gives everyone money is a pretty good choice.
Robert Hale Junior, the owner of Granite Telecommunications and part owner of the Boston Celtics, was a speaker during the commencement at UMass Dartmouth. 1,200 students graduated. He gave each of them $1,000. However, there was a stipulation. They are required to give $500 to someone in need or a charity. He said he did it because, “These trying times have heightened the need for sharing, caring, and giving. Our community needs you and your generosity more than ever.” He also told them that the greatest joy in his and his wife’s lives has been the ability to give to others.
Hale is worth over $5 billion.
That’s a great gift to the students a a great lesson for everyone.