Kermit the Frog to Deliver 2025 Commencement Address

The University of Maryland announced Wednesday that Kermit the Frog will deliver the university’s 2025 commencement address on May 21. The beloved Muppet will address Summer 2024, Winter 2024 and Spring 2025 graduates, family and friends during the ceremony at SECU Stadium.

After a sold-out visit to campus in Fall 2024 as part of the College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Lecture Series, Kermit will return to the university from the Muppets Studio, part of the Magic of Disney, to share an inspiring message with this year’s graduates.

Kermit the Frog’s appearance honors the long history between UMD and Muppets creator Jim Henson, who graduated from UMD in 1960. Henson, a home economics major, invented Kermit by building the original frog puppet out of one of his mother’s coats and a ping-pong ball cut in half.

“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 UMD 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, 65 years after Mr. Henson graduated from the University of Maryland. I sincerely thank the Muppets Studio, Disney and their creative teams for making this possible.”

“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 The Frog.

More details about the campuswide ceremony are available at commencement.umd.edu.