By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Kermit the Frog, created by University of Maryland alumnus Jim Henson, will deliver the university’s 2025 commencement address. This isn’t Kermit’s first commencement speech; he previously addressed graduates at Southampton College in 1996 and has a history of appearances at the University of Maryland. The internationally beloved Muppet, an environmental advocate and Peabody Award winner, will offer words of encouragement to the graduating class. University President Darryll J. Pines expressed excitement for the unique commencement speaker.
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The world’s most famous amphibian, Kermit the Frog, will be delivering the commencement speech at the University of Maryland. This is, to put it mildly, an unusual choice for a commencement speaker, sparking a whirlwind of reactions ranging from bemused amusement to outright bewilderment. It’s a situation that leaves you wondering what timeline we even inhabit anymore, a world where a felt frog surpasses countless qualified humans in the pursuit of imparting wisdom to graduating students.
The initial reaction to the news, for many, might have been something along the lines of “Wait, who?” This swiftly gives way to the realization that, of course, it’s Kermit, the beloved Muppet, who has somehow transcended his fictional origins to become a fully-fledged, albeit amphibious, public figure. The sheer absurdity of it all is undeniably funny. It perfectly captures the strange, often surreal, nature of modern society, where the lines between reality and fantasy increasingly blur. It’s a testament to the enduring popularity of Kermit and the Muppets that his selection is somehow both unexpected and entirely fitting.
The choice also highlights a certain inherent silliness that, perhaps, the world needs right now. While many might find the selection frivolous, it offers a welcome distraction from the serious and often overwhelming challenges facing the graduating class. The world is indeed a confusing and often frightening place, with economic instability, political polarization, and global conflicts casting a long shadow. In this context, the idea of Kermit, a character known for his optimism and gentle nature, addressing graduating students feels unexpectedly poignant.
The potential for Kermit’s speech to be both informative and entertaining is immense. He embodies a kind of wisdom that goes beyond traditional academic learning. His life lessons, learned amidst a cast of eccentric characters, resonate with a broader audience than any human speaker might reach. This also speaks to the strange reverence our society holds for childhood icons. The Muppets, and Sesame Street characters, are not just children’s entertainment; they’ve become cultural touchstones that transcend generations. Kermit’s acceptance of this role isn’t just a novelty act. It’s a calculated move to address a young generation who might respond to him more readily than they would to a typical politician or celebrity.
Of course, there’s an element of meta-commentary at play here. Kermit’s presence is a playful jab at the often-serious and overly formal tone of traditional commencement speeches. The very act of a puppet delivering such a speech is inherently subversive, and one could easily imagine that Kermit’s message would incorporate a bit of self-aware humor. What will he say about his past relationships? Will he acknowledge the absurdities of the current political climate? The possibilities are endless and, frankly, rather exciting.
Another point to consider is the practical implications of Kermit’s speech. Who will be controlling the puppet? Will the puppeteer be visible? Will it impact the overall message or detract from Kermit’s persona? The logistics are as curious and significant as the choice of speaker itself. This is especially relevant considering that this particular event takes place at a moment of considerable economic hardship, particularly for the students graduating. The anxieties and uncertainties of navigating the workforce in a volatile economic climate are very real, and the choice to put a puppet on stage speaks to a strange effort to offer hope in the face of despair.
It’s easy to be cynical about the whole thing. It could be seen as a publicity stunt, a cynical attempt to generate buzz and attract attention. However, there is also a distinct possibility that Kermit’s commencement address will be exactly what the graduating class needs: a reminder of the importance of hope, kindness, and a little bit of playful absurdity in a world that often feels anything but. In a way, Kermit’s speech becomes a symbol of resistance, a joyful rebellion against the somber realities facing many young people today. Perhaps, in the end, that’s the most important lesson of all.