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Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kermit the Frog gives inspiring commencement speech at University of Maryland: ‘Leap together'
Kermit the Frog delivered an inspiring commencement speech at the University of Maryland on Thursday. The beloved green Muppet urged the graduating Class of 2025 to 'stay connected to your dreams.' The last time he did so was at Southampton College in 1996. The university declared Kermit the Frog as this year's commencement speaker in March. The decision was a nod to the Muppets creator Jim Henson, who graduated from Maryland in 1960, per Associated Press. The College Park campus is home to the famous bronze statue of Henson and Kermit sitting on a bench. '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,' the amphibian told the graduating students. '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.'
CNN
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
The 'world's most famous amphibian' set to deliver commencement speech at the University of Maryland
University commencement speakers are often notable members of the community or even famous celebrities that can inspire graduates with a blend of wisdom and humor. This spring, the University of Maryland invited someone who is all of those things and very green: Kermit the Frog. Kermit will deliver the commencement address on May 21, the university announced Wednesday. '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!' Kermit said in a statement shared by the university and The Muppets Studio. In a promotional video, the university touted the achievements of its 2025 commencement speaker, describing Kermit as an environment advocate, Peabody Award winner and '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.' Kermit is no stranger to the university. The frog was created by alumnus Jim Henson when he was a student. The creative genius of the Muppets, who died in 1990, graduated from the university in 1960. They are both memorialized with a bronze statue that stands on campus in front of the student union. This won't even be Kermit's first commencement address. The friendly and soft-spoken film and television star delivered a speech to the 1996 graduating class of the former Southampton College of Long Island University, according to Frank Reifsnyder, a spokesperson for The Muppets Studio. At the time, Kermit was awarded an honorary doctorate of amphibious letters degree. '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!' Kermit's other brushes with higher education include a speech at the University of Maryland's winter commencement in 1996, an appearance at the university's College of Arts and Humanities last fall, and lecturing at Harvard University in 1982, according to Reifsnyder. Adam Hawley, 21, a graduating senior studying theater, said the announcement was exciting and called Kermit a 'great choice.' 'It's not often that a 70-year-old frog speaks at your graduation,' Hawley said. 'Despite being a frog and puppet, it's remarkable how relatable and human Kermit is. He laughs and 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 to treat one another with care,' Hawley said. Originally voiced by Henson himself, 'the world's most famous amphibian' in May will be voiced and performed by Matt Vogel, the puppeteer who took over for Steve Whitmire in 2017, according to The Muppet Studio. '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,' University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines said in the announcement.
New York Times
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Kermit the Frog Will Deliver Commencement Speech at U. of Maryland
Every spring, well-known and accomplished figures deliver commencement addresses at college campuses around the country, offering graduates advice, wisdom and inspiration as they embark on their next chapter. At the University of Maryland, graduates are likely to receive words of encouragement on May 21, 2025, as the university announced on Wednesday that their commencement speaker would be none other than the world's most famous amphibian: Kermit the Frog. '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,' Darryll J. Pines, president of the University of Maryland, said of Kermit, known for his leading roles on 'The Muppet Show' and 'Sesame Street.' The university teased its commencement speaker in a video reveal on Wednesday, lauding the speaker as an international superstar, best-selling author, environmental advocate and Peabody award winner. 'Uh, I guess it's me,' Kermit said, appearing at the end of the video and flashing a big smile. The commencement speech will be a homecoming of sorts for Kermit, whose creator, Jim Henson, graduated from the university in 1960 and where a bronze statue of Kermit and Mr. Henson sit in a campus garden. Mr. Henson made the first version of Kermit out of his mother's old coat and a pingpong ball cut in half for eyes. Mr. Henson, who died in 1990, was the original voice behind Kermit, often referring to the slightly snarky but wise frog as his alter ego. 'Nothing could make these feet happier than to speak at the University of Maryland,' Kermit said in a statement. '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!' Although commencement addresses are often given by well-known people, colleges have at times thought outside the box. Last year, D'Youville University in Buffalo had an A.I. robot speak at its commencement, drawing mixed reactions from students, faculty members and other attendees. And this won't be Kermit's first rodeo. In 1996, he delivered a commencement address to the graduating class of Southampton College, then part of Long Island University, where he received an honorary doctorate of amphibious letters for his helping raise environmental awareness. Many graduating students decorated their gowns with green stickers that read 'Kermit '96,' The New York Times reported, though not all students were thrilled to see a puppet at the podium. Still, if the past is any indication, Kermit will deliver a positive message to the University of Maryland Terps. At the 1996 commencement, Kermit's speech included a few ribbits, which he translated for the audience. 'May success and a smile always be yours,' The Washington Post reported he said, 'even when you're knee deep in the sticky muck of life.'
