Kermit the Frog will deliver the 2025 commencement speech for the University of Maryland (UMD) on May 21, 2025. The 68-year old Muppet will address summer 2024, winter 2024 and spring 2025 graduates, family and friends during the ceremony at SECU stadium.

“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,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines.

He will return to the university from the Muppets Studio following his sold-out visit to the College Park campus in fall 2024 as part of the College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Lecture Series.

In an announcement video posted to UMDs social media platforms, Kermit was described as an “environmental advocate, best-selling author, Peabody Award winner, and an International Superstar.” 

“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!” said Kermit The Frog.

Jim Henson, the original voice of Kermit the Frog, graduated from UMD in 1960. When at campus he made a lasting impact and his legacy of working with the muppets and voicing Kermit is honored at the school. The Jim Henson Statue and Memorial Garden located in the UMD Arboretum features a bronze statue depicting Kermit the Frog and Henson on a bench.  The university and surrounding communities celebrate Henson on Sep. 24. The day is deemed Henson Day. 

In 1996, Kermit gave a commencement speech for the formerly named Southampton College (now Long Island University) graduating class. Beyond his speech at Southampton, the beloved puppet has spoken often at higher institutions. In 1996, he visited UMD to give a winter commencement speech. He had even lectured at Harvard University in 1982.