At the commencement ceremony for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, the 1,200 graduates endured a rainstorm only to be surprised by their speaker, philanthropist Rob Hale, who handed each of them $1,000. This generous gift was a split donation, with $500 to keep for themselves and $500 to give to a cause of their choice. Hale and his wife are known for their generosity, giving away $1 million every week in 2022 to various causes, despite facing their own financial difficulties in the past.
Hale’s intention behind the gift was to ignite a spirit of giving in the graduates, hoping they would experience the same satisfaction he and his wife have found in philanthropy. He emphasized the importance of helping each other, especially during times of turmoil, to create a better world. The graduates, many of whom are first-generation college students from lower-income backgrounds, have started to consider where to allocate their charitable donations, with some choosing to support individuals in need or organizations that have impacted their lives.
Tony da Costa, a graphic design major, decided to give his $500 to someone suffering from an illness who is struggling to pay bills, while English major Kamryn Kobel donated her money to the Y.W.C.A. in Worcester to support programs for young women and survivors of violence. Many of the graduates expressed pride in their donations and the impact they could make with this significant gift. The surprising gesture has left a lasting impression on the graduates, inspiring them to pay it forward and make a difference in their communities.
UMass Dartmouth, a smaller campus compared to the flagship Amherst location, serves a diverse student population, with most students receiving financial aid. Hale has made similar split gifts at other educational institutions, focusing on schools with high numbers of first-generation and lower-income students. His goal is to reward hardworking individuals who have overcome challenges to pursue higher education and encourage them to give back to their communities.
Hale’s commitment to philanthropy stems from his own experiences of loss and subsequent joy in giving back. He hopes that the graduates will continue to carry this spirit of generosity with them beyond their graduation day. The impact of his gift has been profound, with students like Ali McKelvey, who donated her $500 to a women’s shelter inspired by her studies on disadvantaged women, recognizing the opportunity to make a difference and take action on issues they are passionate about. Through this unexpected act of kindness, Hale has inspired a new generation of philanthropists who are eager to make a positive impact in the world.
