DENVER — University of Denver graduates received a pleasant surprise Saturday when speaker Pat Hamill gave each of them a gift of $500.
Hamill is the chairman and CEO of Oakwood Homes, a Berkshire Hathaway company. He shared with the graduates the importance of philanthropy, the joy of giving and the impact of paying it forward.
“Keep it if you really need it," Hamill said. "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.”
The graduates stood, applauded and cheered when Hamill made the announcement. DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner thanked Hamill for his gift and reinforced his message.
“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 has donated his time and resources to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver and the Early Childhood Commission, according to a release. In 1997, he launched BuildStrong Education, an Oakwood Homes Foundation, with a focus on educational programs and initiatives. He is also the founder of the STEAD School and the Colorado Homebuilding Academy.
More than 1,150 undergraduate students attended the ceremony Saturday.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Education stories from 9NEWS
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER for top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
HOW TO ADD THE FREE 9NEWS+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9NEWS" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.