Graduates at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth have received an unexpected surprise from their billionaire commencement speaker. 

Robert Hale, Jr. is the founder of Granite Telecommunications based in Quincy, near Boston.

Alongside their degrees, each graduate who crossed the stage was given two envelopes totaling $1,000. 

UMass graduates were surprised as a billionaire speaker Robert Hale, Jr. gave them $1,000 each - but on one condition

The students were taken by surprise as Hale distributed a total of $1.2 million to the 1,200 gathered graduates

One contained $500 'to keep as a gift', while the second envelope came with a catch. 

Hale, who is worth about $5.4 billion, stipulated that the second stash of cash be given to 'someone in need or a charity or cause close to them.'

Just as the degree conferral was about to begin, Hale came forward telling the gathered graduates that he had some advice for them. 

Robert Hale Jr. who is worth $5bn said $500 was to keep while the other $500 was for charity

The unexpected gift was a ray of sunshine a ceremony that saw those gathered drenched

He said that one of 'the greatest joys we've had in our life have been the gift of giving...

'These trying times have heightened the need for sharing, caring, and giving,' Hale said. 'Our community needs you and your generosity more than ever.'

Hale explained how two large duffle bags being brought up on stage by security personnel were full of money.

It saw Hale dishing out $1.2million dollars in total as all 1,200 graduates each received the $1,000 gift. 

Parents who were watching the ceremony appeared to give the thumbs up to Hale's gift

Graduates in the class of 2024 couldn't believe their luck at their unexpected windfall

Hale's commencement speech appeared to go down well with faculty staff too

Despite being a billionaire, Hale explained during his life he had money come and go.

The part-owner of the Boston Celtics basketball team told the crowd about his career, including how he lost $1 billion almost overnight.

He urged the class of 2024 to not let failure define them citing his own life as an example of resilience and perseverance.