Kermit the Frog to Deliver UMD Commencement Speech
Being green isn’t easy—neither is being a commencement speaker. But Kermit the Frog is up for the challenge.
The iconic Muppet will take the stage at the University of Maryland, College Park’s graduation ceremony on May 21 at SECU Stadium, the university announced Wednesday morning.
While delivering a commencement speech is a big “Kermitment,” the legendary frog has strong ties to UMD. His creator, Jim Henson, graduated from the university in 1960.
In a statement shared by UMD, Kermit expressed his excitement: “Nothing could make these feet happier than to speak at the University of Maryland.”
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He added, “I just know the class of 2025 is going to leap into the world and make it a better place. If a few encouraging words from a frog can help, then I’ll be there!”
The university began teasing the announcement Tuesday afternoon by turning its social media pages green and hinting at “big news” to come. Students flooded the comments section of UMD’s Instagram, speculating whether it was related to Charli XCX’s Brat or the musical Wicked.
On Wednesday morning, the mystery was solved. A video posted to UMD’s social media revealed the commencement speaker as an environmental advocate, best-selling author, Peabody Award winner, and self-proclaimed “amphibitarian”—Kermit the Frog.
UMD President Darryll Pines welcomed the news, saying, “I am thrilled that our graduates and their families will experience the optimism and insight of the world-renowned Kermit The Frog at such a meaningful time in their lives. Our pride in Jim Henson knows no bounds, and it is an honor to welcome Kermit The Frog to our campus, 65 years after Mr. Henson graduated from the University of Maryland.”
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