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Kermit the Frog to deliver commencement speech at the University of Maryland

Published Mar 28, 2025 12:24 am

At A Glance

  • On May 21, Kermit the Frog of Sesame Street/The Muppets will address the commencement exercises at the University of Maryland.
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Kermit the Frog (Facebook)

Kermit the Frog, the most famous frog in the universe, has been invited to do something that only notable members of the community have done.

On May 21, Kermit the Frog of Sesame Street/The Muppets will address the commencement exercises at the University of Maryland.

“Nothing could make these feet happier than to speak at the University of Maryland. I just know the class of 2025 is going to leap into the world and make it a better place, so if a few encouraging words from a frog can help, then I’ll be there!” said Kermit in a statement shared by the university and The Muppets Studio, in a report by CNN International.

In a promotional video, the university highlighted the accomplishments of its 2025 commencement speaker, referring to Kermit as an environmental advocate, Peabody Award winner, and a “friend to all creatures.”

“An international superstar and best-selling author who - in many ways - got his start right here on our campus,” the university said. 

“From humble beginnings, he has gone on to become one of the world’s most beloved and enduring cultural icons—all while sharing a message of optimism and believing in yourself.”

CNN reported that Kermit is familiar with the university. The frog was created by alumnus Jim Henson while he was a student there. The creative genius behind the Muppets, who passed away in 1990, graduated from the university in 1960.

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Kermit The Frog addresses the 1996 graduates of the former Southampton College of Long Island University in Southampton, New York. ( John Dunn/AP)

The report noted that Henson is commemorated with a bronze statue of the puppeteer alongside Kermit, which stands in front of the student union on campus.

Believe it or not, this isn't the first time Kermit the Frog will give a speech at a university.

The amicable and soft-spoken film and television star delivered a speech to the 1996 graduating class of the former Southampton College at Long Island University, as stated by Frank Reifsnyder, a spokesperson for The Muppets Studio.

At that time, Kermit received an honorary doctorate degree in amphibious letters.

“I am sure that when you were children growing up back in your own particular swamps or suburbs, you never imagined you would sit here on one of the most important days of your life listening to a short, green-talking frog deliver your commencement address. All of us should feel very proud of ourselves… and just a little bit silly,” Kermit said during the 1996 speech.

“In any case, congratulations to all of you graduates. As we say in the wetlands, ‘Ribbit-ribbit-kneedeep-ribbit,’ which means ‘May success and a smile always be yours… even when you’re knee deep in the sticky muck of life.’”

The Muppet continued, “I say to you, the 1996 graduates of Southampton College, you are no longer tadpoles. The time has come for you to drop your tails and leave this swamp… Enjoy life!”

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