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The best commencement speeches are often motivational and thought-provoking, leaving new graduates optimistic as they head out into the “real world.”
But for the Class of 2024 at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, the new graduates walked away with more than just a wealth of knowledge — they left their ceremony with an extra $1,000 in their pockets.
Related: 'There's more to life than just work': Bill Gates delivers emotional message to graduates about learning to take a break
Last week, Granite Telecommunications founder and CEO Robert Hale Jr. spoke to University of Massachusetts Dartmouth graduates about their future and shared a story about a time when his company suffered a $1 billion loss in just one day to explain the importance of persistence despite failure.
“It’s OK to fail,” Hale told the graduates. “Life will throw you challenges, and if you accept those challenges, you will fail from time to time – don't worry about it… don't be afraid of failure, understand that it's just part of the process, and if so you use that fear to…” If you fail to motivate yourself, you will get better.
Then, as it came to a close, he shocked the audience by announcing that he would give each graduate $1,000 – but there was a catch.
“These difficult times have heightened the need to share, care and give,” Hale told students. “Our community needs you and your generosity more than ever.”
The students received two envelopes containing $500 each – one to keep for themselves and the other to give to others in need.
Related: Sheryl Sandberg's advice to graduates: Banish self-doubt, dream bigger and always lean forward
“As the graduation ceremony was about to begin, Hale stepped forward and let the graduates know that he had one more piece of advice for them. He told the eager crowd that for him and his wife, Karen, it was the greatest joy we have ever had. “Our lives have been the gift of giving,” UMass Dartmouth said in a news release. “Hale let the Class of 2024 know that the two large duffel bags brought to the stage by security were filled with envelopes full of cash.”
UMass Dartmouth's 2024 graduating class included approximately 1,200 students.
Hale's current net worth is estimated at $5.4 billion.
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