Boston Celtics Co-Owner Surprises UMass Boston Graduates With $1,000 Each

Graduating college is an exciting experience, but University of Massachusetts Boston undergraduates got a surprise gift to make the day even more exciting.

Rob Hale, co-owner of the Boston Celtics, gifted all 2,500 graduates two envelopes before they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas and begin their new chapter in life.

Hale, a billionaire who joined the Celtics' ownership group in 2012, surprised the UMass Boston undergrads during their graduation ceremony last week.

Hale is the president of Granite Communications based out of Quincy, Massachusetts. According to Forbes, his net worth is estimated at $5 billion. He donated more than $280 million to cancer research, educational institutions, and other charities.

During his commencement speech, he explained that each graduate will receive two envelopes - one labeled "gift" and one labeled "give."

"As I mentioned, these are turbulent times. You guys have survived, prospered, and are to be celebrated. You've overcome. It's not easy; we're here and proud of you. So, we want to share in that celebration with you. We want to give you two gifts," he told the 2023 graduating class.

"There are two sets of envelopes. One says 'gift,' and one says 'give.' The first is for you; the 'gift' is for you. The 'give' is also for you, but it's to give."

Hale explained the surprise a bit more, saying, "For us, the greatest joys we've had in our life is the gift of giving." Hale then said each graduate would be receiving $1,000 cash. The graduate's excitement couldn't be contained. The audience erupted in cheers and applause.

"The first $500 is for you. It's a celebration of all you have done to be here today," he continued after the applause settled down.

"The second $500 is a gift for you to give to somebody or somebody else or another organization who could use it more than you. Share in the joy of giving."

While many people thought the gesture of gifting each graduate with two envelopes containing $500 each was positive, some people on social media had something negative to say.

"Very nice gesture. But only those in need should personally benefit. The financially fortunate students should be obliged to donate it to a worthy charity or a fellow needy student," one person wrote.

Another added, "I wonder how much of a dent that would make in their debts if they have them."

Another Facebook follower wrote, "They had to give away half of it though as if students themselves weren't needy."

Others shared positive, grateful thoughts about the gifts.

"Sometimes people can feel so entitled that they can't even appreciate a kind gesture. Well done, billionaire," one person wrote.

Another added, "Gotta love all the people who say it doesn't count because the giver wasn't hurt. When you're just starting 1,0,00 is very helpful. Heck, it'd be much appreciated by me."