Call it the “Kermencement” at the University of Maryland, where on Thursday night, a beloved frog will have the spotlight: Kermit the Frog is set to give his first commencement speech in almost three decades.
“I’m so humbled by it,” Kermit said. “I’m kind of taking this seriously — as seriously as a singing, dancing frog can take anything.”
The connection between Maryland and the Muppets runs deep since Jim Henson, their creator, graduated from there in 1960, with home economics as his major. During his time there, he met his future wife, Jane, in a puppetry class they both attended as freshmen. On the College Park campus, Henson is commemorated with a statue, right next to his famous frog companion.
Kermit’s message for this year’s graduates? Embrace the leap into new opportunities while holding on to the essence of their youthful dreams as they transition into adulthood.
“Maybe we’re at our best when we allow ourselves to continue to grow and learn something new every day,” Kermit said.
“I kind of hope these graduates keep that sophisticated childlike sense of curiosity, and imagination, and innovation as they travel down their paths.”
