“Join Forces and Leap, Urges Muppets Icon Kermit the Frog to University of Maryland Grads”

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Kermit the Frog knows the challenges of being green, just as it is tough to graduate and step into the real world, especially amidst economic struggles and political chaos.

On Thursday evening, graduates of the University of Maryland’s class of 2025 celebrated receiving their diplomas with wise words from the well-known amphibian echoing in their minds.

“As you get ready to take this significant step into real life, here’s some advice—if you’re open to a frog’s perspective,” the cherished Muppet shared. “Instead of stepping over others to achieve your goals, try offering a helping hand and take the leap together, because life is more fulfilling when we make that leap as one.”

The university announced in March that Kermit, who was created in 1955 and became the centerpiece of the Muppets franchise, would be this year’s commencement speaker. He is also no stranger to the school.

Muppets creator Jim Henson graduated from Maryland in 1960. A home economics major, he fashioned the original frog puppet from one of his mother’s coats and a Ping-Pong ball cut in half, according to a statement from the university. Henson died in 1990.

A bronze statue of Henson and Kermit sitting on a bench is a well-known feature of the College Park campus.

In a video announcing the speaker pick, Kermit is described as an environmental advocate, a bestselling author, an international superstar and a champion of creativity, kindness and believing in the impossible.

His speaker bio calls him “a star of stage, screen and swamp” whose simple mission is to “sing and dance and make people happy.”

“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 President Darryll J. Pines said in a statement.