COLLEGE PARK, Md. — A surprising guest was present for the recent graduation ceremony at the University of Maryland (UMD). On May 22, the graduating class of 2025 received a few words of wisdom from Kermit the Frog as they lined up to receive their hard-earned diplomas.
Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, graduated from UMD in 1960, so Kermit has a personal connection to the Maryland college. Jim and Kermit even have a statue on campus, a dedication to the puppeteer’s influence and art.
Kermit’s first order of business was addressing the crowd, filled with hundreds of proud parents and teachers:
“Families, friends, fighting Terps and fellow amphibians, thank you for having me!”
“Now, as I look out at you students, I can tell that you have all worked your tails off. And as a former tadpole, believe me, losing your tail is a pretty big deal, so go Terps!”
After the crowd’s cheering settled down, Kermit touched on the daily struggles facing new graduates in 2025:
“Many of you are trying to make career connections and networking connections, and are applying for jobs and grad schools, and quietly panicking about rent and loans and the price of eggs.”
Though navigating life can be difficult for college graduates, Kermit told the audience that they shouldn’t fear the challenges they’re about to face, as they made it through four years of higher education.
“I know the past four years have brought more challenges than anyone expected. Sometimes it can feel like the challenges just keep coming. But look at ya, I know that you’re gonna be okay, because you’re here, you did it. And I think that deserves another round of applause!”
Kermit also offered insight into how graduating students can navigate professional relationships in their future workplace, explaining that teamwork is the most effective and ethical way to get ahead in a new career.
“Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side, because life is better when we leap together,” said Kermit.
Henson’s character then told the crowd that following one’s dreams is how a person finds their place in the world, so students should never give up on their aspirations, no matter the size.
“Because if I know a thing, it’s important to stay connected to your loved ones, stay connected to your friends, and most of all, stay connected to your dreams. No matter how big, no matter how impossible they seem. The truth is, dreams are how we figure out where we want to go, and life is how we get there.”
As a character who’s influenced generations of children all across the globe, it was exciting to have Kermit address the University of Maryland in Prince George’s County this May, so hopefully he’ll be back in the future with more nuggets of Muppet wisdom.
As a final touch, Kermit the Frog gave a special performance of “Rainbow Connection” to celebrate the University of Maryland’s graduating class of 2025.
To listen to Kermit’s entire speech, visit the PBS NewsHour YouTube channel.
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