It’s officially graduation season and along with the cap and gown comes plenty of congratulations and gifts from family and friends. For the 2019 graduating class of Morehouse College they received an unforgettable gift from their commencement speaker.

Over the weekend, billionaire tech investor and philanthropist Robert F. Smith addressed the graduation class of Morehouse College with an inspiring commencement address. Smith, who received an honorary doctorate, had already announced a $1.5 billion gift to the school. During his speech, however, he revealed to a surprised audience that he would pay off the student loans of the nearly 400 students in the graduating class.

Leaving college with a full education and zero debt is an absolute dream come true for these students and a Smith believes his gift will go on to help others. “This is my class,” Smith said, “and I know my class will pay this forward.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Shopify Partners

 

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