Local News

Mass. billionaire is at it again, gives graduates $1,000 each

Robert Hale Jr. gave each Bridgewater State University graduate $500 as a gift and $500 to give.

The campus of Bridgewater State University. John Tlumacki for the Boston Globe

May 19, 2025

2 minutes to read

As Gillette Stadium buzzed with the final moments of commencement for Bridgewater State University’s class of 2025, billionaire and honorary degree recipient Robert Hale Jr. returned to the podium with a surprise that stunned thousands of graduating students.

“I have one more thing to share,” he said, gesturing toward a black SUV flanked by security. Moments later, guards began unloading duffel bags onto the stage — each of them packed with individual envelopes containing $500 in cash. Hale said each graduate would receive two envelopes.

“One is for you,” Hale told the more than 1,400 graduating seniors in a video of the graduation commencement. “The other is for someone in need.”

Hale, the founder and CEO of wholesale telecommunications provider Granite Telecommunications, said that one of the greatest joys of his life has been the gift of giving.

“The turmoil in our country has increased the need for caring, sharing, and compassion,” he said. “Our community needs your help, your leadership, and your empathy more than ever.”

The envelopes — decorated by Brockton’s Hancock and Angelo Elementary School students — each carried a child’s vision of joy. But the real lesson, Hale said, was about what it means to give.

“One of the greatest joys in life has been the joy of giving,” he said. “We want to share that experience with you.”

And with a nod to the school’s mascot, he closed with a rallying call: “Every day is a great day to be a Bear.”

Located in Bridgewater, BSU is the state’s 10th largest four-year college. The school’s website says it has nearly 10,000 current undergraduate and graduate students and over 80,000 alumni.

Hale was awarded an honorary doctorate of public service during the ceremonies.

It has become something of a tradition for Hale to surprise graduating seniors with this gift during spring graduations. Last year, he awarded the same gift to graduating UMass Dartmouth students.

According to Forbes, Hale is worth $5.8 billion. He founded Granite, a telecommunications provider based in Quincy, in 2002, less than six months after his previous company filed for bankruptcy.

BSU says Hale has contributed over $400 million to support cancer research, educational institutions, and other charitable causes throughout the region. Hale also has a minority stake in the Boston Celtics.

“Rob’s gift embodies the spirit of service and leadership we strive to instill in our students,” Fred Clark, president of Bridgewater State University, said in a statement shared with The Enterprise. “His example inspires our graduates to lead with compassion and purpose.”