Chief Ben to deliver MC Commencement speech

Chief Ben to deliver MC Commencement speech

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Cyrus Ben, Tribal Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, will deliver the 2023 keynote speech at Mississippi College’s Commencement on Thursday.

The concept of combining belief and works to form a well-rounded life resonates with Cyrus Ben, the fifth democratically elected Tribal Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and a 2001 graduate of Mississippi College.

“You must put the work in to succeed, but without faith, there is nothing,” Ben said. “You must have faith, but you also have to put work into it.

“From a life perspective, especially a spiritual life, you have to put in the work.”

That’s the message Ben will deliver to more than 400 members of MC’s Class of 2023 when he gives the keynote address during Mississippi College’s Central Commencement at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, on the Quad, weather permitting. The event celebrates MC graduates’ accomplishments and will include live music, the giving of the alumni charge, and the seniors’ traditional class photos on the steps and exiting through the gates.

“These graduates have been provided the resources to succeed in life,” Ben said. “They have accomplished a significant achievement and are moving to the next step. They have talent and information they can use, but they also must have faith – not only in a higher power, but faith in themselves and their abilities.

“They can impact their coworkers, families, friends – their entire world. God has given them a talent. Use it as a tool.”

The significant steps Ben has taken this academic year to help strengthen the relationship between the Choctaw people and his alma mater are rooted in his belief that both institutions are valuable resources for the state of Mississippi.

During a visit by MC administrative leaders to Tribal Lands in Neshoba County last July, Ben and Thompson signed a memorandum of understanding that created a valuable tuition assistance program for Choctaw students and established an expanded cultural exchange between MC and the MBCI, the only federally recognized American Indian tribe living in the state.

“I have always wanted to establish a better relationship with MC, my alma mater, and my Tribe,” Ben said. “There was always a need at MC for more knowledge of the Choctaw People. Now, there is this great relationship President Thompson and I have built.

“I love MC even more now than I did when I went to school there.”

A life-long resident of Neshoba County, Ben attended East Central Community College in Decatur before visiting MC. He liked what he saw of the Clinton campus and joined the football team while pursuing his business degree.

“I enjoyed my time at Mississippi College,” he said. “The experience was very pleasant, from professors to business school staff and educators.

“I say it over and over, but it’s true: I am Choctaw by blood and Choctaw by education.”

He was elected Tribal Chief about the same time as Thompson became MC’s 20th president, and was officially sworn into office on July 9, 2019. At the time, he was the youngest Tribal Chief in the MBCI’s history.

Ben credits Mississippi College for helping him prepare for his leadership role with the MBCI.

Ben and his wife, TaRita, raise their three children, Brodie, Eden, and Selah, in the Pearl River community.

His diligent efforts to carve an agreement between his Tribe and his alma mater is a testament to his belief that the relationship between MC and the Choctaw People will remain mutually beneficial for generations to come.

“Bringing people together and helping to facilitate a deeper understanding and respect for our Choctaw culture and history is important,” he said. “At Homecoming, it was a great honor to receive the Order of the Golden Arrow, see other alumni, and raise the Tribal Flag.

“Moments such as those we have had in the past year will forever be special to me.”

Being asked to speak to Mississippi College graduates and their families during the Central Ceremony will be another moment worth remembering for the Choctaw leader.

“It is a tremendous honor to be asked to provide the Commencement speech at this year’s Graduation Ceremony, especially with the progress we have made with the MOU between the Tribe and the University,” he said. “You need a spiritual drive to get your education and faith in yourself to achieve the goals you have established. In life, having a spiritual walk helps a person be grounded and able to go through tough times.”






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