Kermit the Frog Challenges Graduates to ‘Write Your Own Ending’

Dressed in full (albeit tiny) academic regalia, Kermit the Frog encouraged University of Maryland graduates to “leap together” while embracing life’s “big, messy, delightful ensemble piece” during Commencement on Thursday.

Kermit, the cuddly creation of Jim Henson ’60, sent the crowd into uproarious applause throughout his “Kermencement” address, interspersed with trademark swampy humor.

“I can tell you’ve all worked your tails off,” he said. “And as a former tadpole, believe me, losing your tail is a pretty big deal!”

Chilly temperatures and an intermittent drizzle on SECU Stadium didn’t dampen the mood at the ceremony, which honored nearly 13,500 graduates from August and December 2024 and May 2025: an estimated 9,265 Terps who earned bachelor’s degrees, 3,254 who completed master’s degrees and 924 with doctorates.

UMD President Darryll J. Pines called on graduates to remember how their UMD experience changed them. “It has made you stronger,” he said. “It has made you wiser. And it has shown you how to be fearless—so now you can now go fearlessly forward."

Using a suitcase metaphor, student speaker Gregory Garin ’25 challenged his peers to embrace their pasts, including the difficult moments.

“Our suitcases are completely unique to each and every one of us, chronicling our life’s experiences, helping to tell our stories, testaments to the trials and triumphs of our journeys,” he said. But graduation, he noted, is an opportunity to collect new experiences. “What will you do with your suitcase?”

Other highlights included the bestowing of honorary degrees upon former U.S. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin and former U.S. Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, both of Maryland. In addition, Vainavi Gambhir ’25 was recognized as university medalist, the highest honor bestowed on a graduating UMD senior each academic year.

University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman called on graduates to forge ahead “with grit and grace, with hope and hard work, with the powerful joy of a dream fulfilled.”

Addressing grads on video, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told them to “take all that you have learned and pledge to use it for good. You’ll be rewarded for all your hard work and success from your time here.”

But it was Kermit, who recently celebrated his 70^th birthday, who stole the show, capping his speech with a sing-along rendition of “Rainbow Connection.” Students swayed, clutched Kermit dolls and chanted his name. Earlier in the ceremony, Pines, on behalf of Moore, honored the Muppet with a citation in appreciation of outstanding service to the citizens of Maryland.

[In UMD Visit, Kermit Makes a Rainbow Connection With Terps]

As he celebrated UMD’s newest alums, Kermit beseeched them to stay connected to their dreams, no matter how impossible they seem.

“Life's like a movie,” he said. “Write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending. You've all done just what you set out to do. And you’re just getting started!”

Alaya Chubb carries the gonfalon banner for the A. James Clark School of Engineering. (Photo by Riley N. Sims)

“Pomp and Circumstance” plays as soon-to-be Terp alums enter SECU stadium and family members strive to catch a glimpse of their graduates from the stands. (Photo by Dylan Patrick Singleton)

Computer science major Jason Wang hands flowers to his mom. (Photo by Riley N. Sims)

UMD President Darryll J. Pines presents an honorary doctoral degree to former U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland for his service to the state and long record of support for the university. (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)

Graduates cover up as light sprinkles punctuate the ceremony, but full-on rain never fell. (Photo by John T. Consoli)

Students from the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation cheer as Dean Dawn Jourdan addresses the school’s graduates during the main Commencement ceremony. (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)

Testudo dances up the aisle to the delight of the new UMD graduates at the conclusion of Commencement 2025. (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)

Kermit the Frog delivers a highly anticipated commencement, er, “Kermencement” address on Thursday, urging graduates not to try to leap over each other in achievements, but to “leap together.” (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)

A blast of fireworks closes UMD’s 2025 Commencement. (Photo by John T. Consoli)

Thousands of graduates, along with family and friends, listen raptly to the humor and wisdom of Kermit, created 70 years ago by UMD alumnus and Muppets cofounder Jim Henson ’60. (Photo by John T. Consoli)