UMass Dartmouth Grads Each Receive $1,000 from Commencement Speaker

Billionaire Robert Hale Jr. encourages students to donate half of the gift to charity or those in need.

Robert Hale Jr., CEO of Granite Telecommunications, handed out $1,000 in cash to each graduate at UMass Dartmouth's commencement ceremony.
Each graduate received two envelopes: one containing $500 for personal use and another $500 to give to a charity or someone in need.
Hale emphasized the importance of generosity, urging students to share their gift during these challenging times.
The university reported that 40% of the 1,200 graduates were first-generation college students.
Hale shared his own experiences of financial loss and resilience, encouraging graduates not to let failure define them.