'Uh... I guess it's me:' Kermit the Frog to deliver 2025 graduation speech at alma mater
A pretty notable and rather green University of Maryland alumnus is slated to hit the stage to impart wisdom and an encouraging word to this year and last year's graduating classes.
Kermit the Frog, a character brought to life by Muppets creator and UMD alumnus Jim Henson, will deliver the university's commencement address on Wednesday, May 21, according to an UMD news release.
The "beloved Muppet" and "legendary frog" will address summer 2024, winter 2024 and spring 2025 graduates, family and friends at the ceremony, held at SECU Stadium, an outdoor athletic stadium on campus.
"Nothing could make these feet happier than to speak at the University of Maryland," Kermit said in the news release. "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!"
Watch University of Maryland present Kermit as commencement speaker
Kermit's appearance at commencement "honors" the 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, UMD said.
Henson, who went on to create the Muppets, died in 1990.
"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. "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."
When is the University of Maryland's commencement ceremony?
The University of Maryland will host this year's commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 21 at SECU Stadium. UMD stadium gates will open at 5 p.m. and the student processional will begin at 6 p.m.
(This story was updated to include video.)