Kermit the Frog took the stage at the University of Maryland’s 2025 commencement ceremony and gave the graduating class a moment to remember, one that was as heartfelt and inspiring.
With that familiar green face and humble wisdom, Kermit reminded the grads that life, like The Muppet Show, is best when shared with the people who truly get you.
Why did Kermit give the commencement speech at Maryland? Jim Henson, Kermit’s legendary creator, and his wife Jane were both proud University of Maryland alumni—and fans of the Maryland Terrapins. So for Kermit, this wasn’t just another speech. It was a homecoming.
Kermit told the students:
“Now there is no guarantee that the show is always good or that it’ll go off without a hitch or it doesn’t have its hecklers. But the show must go on and if you’re with your people then you won’t have to do it alone. Because life is not a solo act.
“No it’s not. It’s a big messy delightful ensemble piece especially when you’re with your people. These are friends that you might have for your whole life and there will be many others to collect along the way.”
He went on to urge kindness and connection over cutthroat competition:
“So as you prepare to take this big leap into real life here’s a little advice if you’re willing to listen to a frog. 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 …
“Because if I know anything 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.”
In an age when so many commencement speeches blur together with corporate jargon and polished clichés, Kermit’s words felt personal and sincere. That’s the Muppet magic. Underneath the felt and googly eyes is a philosophy that’s never gone out of style… community matters, dreams matter, and even in the mess, the show must go on.
For a graduating class standing on the edge of uncertainty, it turns out one of the most reassuring voices they could hear wasn’t a billionaire or politician, it was a frog reminding them to leap together.
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