Kermit the Frog Takes the Stage: Maryland’s Unforgettable Commencement Speaker

Well, well, well, if it isn’t the green icon himself hopping into the limelight! Kermit the Frog, that illustrious amphibian with a penchant for existential musings, is set to grace the University of Maryland’s commencement stage come May 21, 2025. This isn’t just any ordinary graduation speech; it’s a delightful nod to the legacy of Jim Henson, the creative genius behind the Muppets who graduated from UMD in 1960. Let’s not forget, Henson didn’t just create a puppet; he crafted a cultural phenomenon that has croaked its way into our hearts and minds for decades.

UMD President Darryll J. Pines couldn’t contain his excitement, proclaiming that nothing could “leap” his spirits higher than having Kermit deliver words of wisdom to the graduating class. Given Kermit’s extensive résumé—international superstar, environmental advocate, and Peabody Award winner—it’s hard to argue against the merits of this unconventional choice. The university’s announcement was a carefully orchestrated reveal, peppered with hints that would make any detective proud. And when Kermit finally popped up on screen to declare, “Uh, I guess it’s me,” I dare say the audience collectively squealed in delight.

This isn’t Kermit’s first dance at the graduation ball, either. In 1996, he graced the commencement stage at Southampton College, earning an honorary degree for his environmental advocacy. His words back then—“May success and a smile always be yours, even when you’re knee deep in the sticky muck of life”—are as relevant today as they were in the ’90s. As graduates prepare to leap into the unknown, can they really ask for a better guide than a frog who’s faced down life’s muck with a grin?

So, let’s raise a glass (or a cup of swamp water) to Kermit, the amphibious oracle, and to the graduates who will undoubtedly carry a piece of his wisdom into the world. Class dismissed—may your lives be ever green and full of potential!

Sources: Celebrity Storm