Kermit the Frog is set to deliver the commencement address at the University of Maryland, marking a special moment for the beloved character and his creator, Jim Henson. Henson graduated from the university in 1960, and a statue honoring him and Kermit can be found in a campus garden. Kermit, who is known for his charm and wit, expressed his excitement about the event, saying, “Nothing could make these feet happier than to speak at the University of Maryland.” He hopes to inspire the Class of 2025 as they prepare to step into the world.
This isn’t Kermit’s first time at a graduation ceremony. In 1996, he gave a speech at Southampton College, where he was awarded an honorary doctorate for his efforts in raising environmental awareness. During that event, many graduates wore green stickers that said “Kermit ’96,” although not everyone was thrilled about having a puppet as their speaker.
The choice of Kermit as a commencement speaker highlights a trend in universities to think outside the box when selecting speakers. Last year, for example, D’Youville University in Buffalo featured an A.I. robot as their speaker, which received mixed reactions. Kermit’s appearance at Maryland promises to be a memorable occasion, blending nostalgia with a message of hope for the future.