During the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's commencement ceremony, speaker Rob Hale surprised the 1,200 graduates by announcing that he would give each of them $1,000, with the condition to keep $500 for themselves and donate the other $500 to a good cause. Hale, a billionaire philanthropist, shared his own experience of losing everything and finding joy in giving. The graduates have since contemplated where to donate their money, with some choosing to support individuals or organizations close to their hearts. This act of generosity has left a lasting impact on the graduates, inspiring them to consider philanthropy in their own lives. Hale has previously made similar gifts at other educational institutions, aiming to support students who have worked hard to achieve their education.