Take a chance and make a leap — but don’t do it at the expense of others, Kermit the Frog told students during the University of Maryland’s 2025 commencement ceremony.
Adorned with a “very tiny” cap and gown, Kermit addressed thousands of students, faculty, family members and alumni gathered in SECU Stadium Thursday to celebrate the class of 2025’s graduation.
The famed amphibian spoke to the graduating students about finding your people, making connections and taking that leap — something frogs like him know a thing or two about, he said.
“Consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side, because life is better when we leap together,” Kermit told the crowd.
Kermit, who has been voiced by actor Matt Vogel since 2017, has a decades-long connection with this university. Puppeteer Jim Henson first created Kermit for a local Washington, D.C. television program called Sam and Friends while he was a student at this university.
Henson went on to create The Muppets, a fictional musical ensemble of puppets including Kermit, who have starred in the children’s series Sesame Street for more than 50 years. The cast also spawned programs including The Muppet Show, in addition to countless movies, books and albums.
“In the early days, [Henson] had a hand in literally everything I did,” Kermit said.
[Kermit the Frog announced as UMD’s 2025 commencement speaker]
Both Kermit and Henson, who graduated from this university with a home economics degree in 1960, are immortalized with a bronze statue in front of Stamp Student Union.
Kermit said Henson taught him the importance of finding your people. When he was first creating The Muppet Show, Kermit described Henson as a “collector” of artists, actors and musicians.
“Nobody knew what they had, but Jim knew who he had,” Kermit said. “He knew that there was a show there, and he wanted to show the world.”
Henson always saw “the spark in someone” and believed everyone had a place, Kermit said.
“My whole life, I’ve tried to appreciate people for exactly who they are — even if they are a pig who hogs the spotlight,” he said.
Kermit’s selection as this university’s graduation speaker captured international headlines and interest at a time when college commencement speakers are increasingly drawing protest and criticism.
The announcement elicited mixed reactions from the campus community earlier this semester, The Diamondback reported in April. Some students praised the decision as a fun tribute to a “Maryland institution,” while others expressed disappointment with the pick.
[‘Goofy’ or ‘a Maryland institution’: UMD students react to Kermit as commencement speaker]
Throughout his speech, Kermit emphasized the importance of connection with friends old and not-yet-made, with family and loved ones and with employers and professional connections.
“Life is not a solo act,” he said. “It’s a big, messy, delightful ensemble piece, especially when you’re with your people.”
Kermit recognized students from the arts and humanities college, from which Henson graduated, in addition to biology students — though he said they would not be able to get him to enter their labs.
After finishing his speech, Kermit led students and guests through a rendition of “Rainbow Connection,” the iconic first song from 1979’s The Muppet Movie.
University president Darryll Pines then presented Kermit with a citation from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore for his “demonstration of high integrity and ability.”
Kermit concluded his remarks to the graduates by reminding them above all to stay connected to their dreams, no matter how big or impossible they seem.
“Dreams are how we figure out where we want to go, and life is how we get there,” Kermit said. “Write your own ending.”
