Kermit the Frog Delivers Commencement Speech to University of Maryland's Class of 2025
The school and Kermit have quite the connection.
The University of Maryland’s graduating class of 2025 had a very special speaker to deliver the commencement speech this year, and the pick isn’t as random as it might seem.
What’s Happening:
- Kermit the Frog participated in the University of Maryland’s commencement ceremonies, giving his sage wisdom for the real world with his trademark optimism to the class of 2025.
- Kermit appeared on the stage, in full robes and mortarboard, to deliver the commencement speech to the class and their families.
- He also performed his signature song, “Rainbow Connection" to the class, and don’t worry. There’s a “Yayyyy!" or two in there as well.
- It wasn’t all fun and games as the wisdom from Kermit hit deep, especially in these times, as the Muppet icon said “As you prepare to take this big leap into real life, here’s a little advice - if you’re willing to listen to a frog - rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side, because life is better when we leap together."
- Check out the full speech as it aired on ABC News Live, below.
- Kermit’s appearance at the University of Maryland is not as random as it might seem. Jim Henson himself (creator of Kermit and the Muppets) graduated from the school back in 1960, where he majored in Home Economics.
- A landmark at the campus is also a bronze statue of Jim Henson and Kermit sitting on a park bench.
- Kermit’s appearance at the commencement ceremony was announced back in March, when he was described as an environmental advocate, a bestselling author, an international superstar, and a champion of creativity, kindness, and believing the impossible.
- University president Darryll J. Pines said at the time that he was “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."
- Kermit and the Muppet gang have been making numerous appearances lately, largely because it's the 70th anniversary of the Jim Henson Company.
- Kermit and his friends now appear in the pre-show for the new World of Color Happiness at Disneyland Resort, the Muppets are about to take over the Rock n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and there will be a special celebration of the Jim Henson Company early next month at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. Not to mention, a new Muppets-themed wrap aboard the popular Disney Skyliner at Walt Disney World. All before the upcoming shuttering of the legendary Disney Parks attraction, “Jim Henson’s Muppet-Vision 3-D" at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 7th, which was famously Henson’s final major project before his passing in 1990.