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The best commencement speeches are often motivational and thought-provoking, giving new graduates a sense of optimism as they head into the “real world.”
But the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s Class of 2024 left the ceremony with more than just a wealth of knowledge: an extra $1,000 in their pockets.
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Last week, Robert Hale Jr., founder and CEO of Granite Telecommunications, spoke to graduates of Dartmouth College in Massachusetts about the future and shared the story of how his company lost $1 billion in a single day. He also explained the importance of persevering even if you fail.
“It’s okay to fail,” Hale told the graduates. “Life will give you challenges, and when you take on those challenges, you’ll fail sometimes. Don’t worry about it… Don’t be afraid to fail, understand that it’s just part of the process.” And if you use that fear, you’ll be better off if you fail to motivate yourself.”
He concluded by shocking the audience by announcing that each graduate would receive $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 now more than ever.”
Each student was given two envelopes containing $500, one to keep for themselves and one to give to someone in need.
Related: Sheryl Sandberg’s advice to graduating students: Embrace self-doubt, dream big, and stay positive
“As the commencement ceremony was about to begin, Mr. Hale came forward and shared one more piece of advice for the graduates. He told the enthusiastic crowd that he and his wife, Karen, had ‘ “Our life has been a gift of giving,” said Dartmouth College, Massachusetts. stated in the release“Hale informed the Class of 2024 that two large duffel bags that were brought onto the stage by security were stuffed with envelopes filled with cash.”
Massachusetts Dartmouth’s graduating class of 2024 had approximately 1,200 students.
Hale’s current situation net worth Estimated at $5.4 billion.