Kermit the Frog tapped as University of Maryland commencement speaker

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/28/kermit-the-frog-university-of-maryland-commencement

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‘World’s most famous amphibian’ set to deliver address at Muppets creator Jim Henson’s alma mater in College Park

Kermit the Frog once sang “it’s not easy being green” – and now he gets to see how easy it is to impart wise words to graduating college students in these times.

The university announced this week that it had chosen the fictional Muppets star and so-called “world’s most famous amphibian” to deliver its commencement speech on 21 May at University of Maryland’s SECU Stadium in College Park.

Kermit’s selection for the role occurred a year after other US universities grappled with protests against commencement speakers – or canceled the speeches altogether – over Israel’s military strikes in Gaza.

It also comes as Donald Trump’s presidential administration has been pressuring US universities to reform their admissions policies and crack down on pro-Palestinian demonstrations – or risk investigations as well as the loss of millions of dollars in federal money.

Maryland’s announcement avoided saying whether it took such factors into account before tapping a childhood idol as its commencement speaker.

“Nothing could make these feet happier than to speak at the University of Maryland,” said a statement attributed to Kermit and the Muppets Studio. “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!”

A promotional video published by Maryland hailed Kermit as a Peabody award winner, bestselling author, environmental advocate – and “friend to all creatures”.

The video also alluded to how the late Jim Henson, who created the Emmy-winning Muppets, came up with Kermit while he was a student at Maryland.

Henson graduated from the university in 1960 as a home economics major, and he is commemorated at the campus with a sculpture depicting him sitting next to Kermit.

“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,” said a statement attributed to Maryland’s president, Darryll J Pines. “Our pride in Jim Henson knows no bounds, and it is an honor to welcome Kermit the Frog to our campus.”

The Muppets Studio said the plan is for Kermit’s puppeteer since 2017, Matt Vogel, to voice and perform the character.

At least one graduating senior at Maryland described looking forward to Kermit’s address.

The theater student Adam Hawley told the network: “It’s not often that a … frog speaks at your graduation. Despite being a frog and puppet, it’s remarkable how relatable and human Kermit is.

“He makes mistakes just like us, but what’s truly special is how he learns from his experiences and shares with us a deep wisdom on how to be kind to ourselves and treat one another with care.”

Kermit is not a commencement-speaking rookie. He spoke to the graduating class of the former Southampton College of Long Island University in 1996 and accepted an honorary doctorate of amphibious letters from the institution.

“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,” Kermit said at the time, according to a transcript. “All of us should feel very proud of ourselves … and just a little bit silly.”

He wished the graduates “ribbit-knee-deep-ribbit”, which he said translated to: “May success and a smile always be yours … even when you’re knee deep in the sticky muck of life.”

“You are no longer tadpoles,” Kermit said in conclusion. “The time has come for you to drop your tails and leave this swamp.

“But I am sure that where I go as I travel around the world, I will find each and every one of you working your tails off to save other swamps and give those of us who live there a chance to survive. We love you for it. Enjoy life! And thank you very much.”