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The University of Maryland has enlisted an unlikely speaker for its 2025 commencement ceremony: Kermit the Frog.
The Terrapins announced their similarly amphibious selection Wednesday, though the choice has some historical merit: The late Muppets creator Jim Henson was a graduate of the University of Maryland in 1960, majoring in home economics before embarking on a legacy in puppetry.
“Nothing could make these feet happier than to speak at the University of Maryland,” Kermit the Frog 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!”
The university also shared a video regarding Kermit’s selection, hailing the frog as an environmental advocate, best-selling author, Peabody Award winner, and international celebrity:
“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,” UMD President Darryll J. Pines said in a statement.
“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.”
A year ago, Kermit the Frog made a surprise onstage appearance at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion concert to finally perform “Rainbow Connection” with the country legend, a duet that was 20 years in the making.
