Rob Hale, co-owner of the Boston Celtics, surprised 2,500 UMass Boston graduates with gifts.

He is also the president of Granite Communications and a billionaire.

Each graduate received two envelopes, one labeled "gift" and one labeled "give."

Each envelope contained $500, the "give" envelope intended for the graduates to donate.

The gesture received mixed reactions on social media, with some critics and some supporters.

Critics thought the financially fortunate students should donate their gifts to the needy.

Others were grateful for the gift, recognizing the potential benefits for the graduates.

Some expressed concern about the potential impact on the students' debts.

This gift was a part of his commencement speech during the graduation ceremony.

Hale has a history of significant charitable donations, including over $280 million to various causes.