Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler Delivers UConn CAHNR Commencement Address, Receives Honorary Degree

(Mashantucket, Conn.) – May 12, 2025 – Rodney A. Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and a 1999 alumnus of the University of Connecticut (UConn), delivered the commencement address for the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) on May 10, 2025. In recognition of his leadership and contributions, Butler was also awarded an honorary degree by the university.

In his address, Butler emphasized the importance of community, collaboration, and long-term vision. He shared insights from his journey, highlighting the values instilled in him by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and his experiences at UConn. Butler remarked, “In my culture, we’re taught to make decisions with the seventh generation in mind. Not just for the next quarter, the next election, or the next funding cycle, but for our grandchildren’s grandchildren. That way of thinking changes everything.” 

Reflecting on his time at UConn, where he studied finance and played as a defensive back on the football team, Butler credited the university for laying the foundation of his leadership journey. After graduation, he returned to serve his Tribe, eventually becoming Chairman in 2010. Under his leadership, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has seen significant advancements in economic development and community initiatives.

CAHNR Dean Indrajeet Chaubey praised Butler’s dedication, stating, “Rodney’s ability to make a difference through innovation, collaboration, and a drive for the common good is remarkable. It’s a model we can all look to and learn from.” 

The commencement ceremony celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025, with Butler’s speech serving as an inspiration for graduates to pursue paths that uplift and empower their communities.

About the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located in southeastern Connecticut. As pioneers of the Indian casino gaming industry, the history of the Mashantucket Pequots reveals one of American’s greatest come-back stories which is featured at the world-renowned Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. Today, the Tribe owns and operates one of the largest gaming resorts in North America, Foxwoods Resort Casino, along with a variety of complementary business enterprises, including Connecticut’s premiere luxury golf experience, Lake of the Isles and the decadent Spa at Norwich Inn. The Tribe’s health and wellness company, Pequot Health Care, is an industry leader in tribal and commercial health plan management and pharmaceutical services. As one of the highest revenue contributors and largest employers in Connecticut, the Mashantucket Pequots have hosted millions of visitors and provided billions in slot revenue payments to the State. The Tribe has also contributed millions in donations and sponsorships to support worthy charities, community events and programs, and other tribes in need, locally and throughout the United States. Dedicated to our future generations inheriting clean beautiful land, a safe community and a strong economy, we remain committed to promoting spirituality, strong family values, education, social stability, economic independence, and the wellbeing of our Tribal Members, employees and guests in a healthy and supportive environment. Our ultimate goal is to protect and advance our sovereign rights in order to build and preserve a cultural, social and economic foundation that can never be undermined or destroyed.
To learn more about the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, please visit us at www.mptn-nsn.gov.