University of Denver grads gifted $500 at commencement ceremony - the speaker’s message to graduates

Photo byUniversity of Denver

Graduating from college is a milestone featuring a promise of new beginnings. It marks years of hard work and shows graduates the opportunities that await them within their new careers. But on Saturday, graduates at the University of Denver were surprised with something more than balloons and a celebratory champagne bottle after the ceremony.

1,150 new graduates from the University of Denver were gifted $500 at their commencement ceremony.

Pat Hamill, chairman and CEO of Oakwood Homes, a Berkshire Hathaway company, delivered the commencement address. Within his speech, he shared the importance of philanthropy, the joy of giving and the impact of paying it forward.

Many commencement speakers share from their own wisdom and insights to drive the graduating class. They typically include something about embracing new opportunities, overcoming challenges, and striving for greatness- but Hamill took it one step further.

He gifted each graduate in attendance $500 and delivered this message:

"Keep it if you really need it. Give it to someone who really needs it if you don't. Or combine it with your friends and do something together. Keep it real and do something that matters for someone who needs it," Hamill said.

University of Denver Chancellor Jeremy Haefner thanked Hamill for this gift and added this -

"I hope your minds are spinning on what good each of you can do to "pay it forward"—in ways big and small—that improve communities," Haefner said. "Each act toward serving the public good compounding on itself, gaining momentum and changing lives. And it can all start today."

Hamill’s donation to the students totals $575,000.