Commencement Speaker Surprises Graduates With Amazing Gift
This past weekend, Pat Hamill, CEO of Oakwood Homes, surprises graduates at the University of Denver’s commencement ceremony with an unexpected announcement. As a graduation gift, each new grad was to…
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Students throw their mortarboards in the air during their graduation photograph at the University of Birmingham degree congregations on July 14, 2009 in Birmingham, England. Over 5000 graduates will be donning their robes this week to collect their degrees from The University of Birmingham. A recent survey suggested that there are 48 graduates competing for every job. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
This past weekend, Pat Hamill, CEO of Oakwood Homes, surprises graduates at the University of Denver's commencement ceremony with an unexpected announcement. As a graduation gift, each new grad was to receive $500 from Hamill, who encouraged them to pay it forward.
Commencement Speaker Surprises Graduates
Hamill, also a University of Denver alumnus, told the crowd, "Keep it if you really need it. Give it to someone who needs it if you don't. Or combine it with your friends and do something together." After a brief pause, the attendees gave Hamill a standing ovation.
The grads were given the cash alongside their diplomas along with a personal letter from Hamill. The gesture left an impression on the graduates, including Sophia Zulich, who shares that she appreciates the message of giving. Her fellow graduate, T'Phani Perley, says she is touched by the pay-it-forward sentiment and plans to donate half of her gift to her former high school's summer program.
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