Kermit the Frog to give commencement address at University of Maryland
(The Hill) - Prominent political figures and lawmakers on the commencement speaker circuit are about to have some friendly, froggy competition — Kermit the Frog will deliver the address to the University of Maryland's graduates this summer.
The school teased the iconic green character's participation in the May 21 commencement ceremony with a video Wednesday touting Kermit's accomplishments as an "environmental advocate, best-selling author, Peabody Award winner" and a "champion of creativity, kindness and believing in the impossible."
"The beloved Muppet and legendary frog will return to the campus where he was created to share an inspiring message with our 2025 graduates," the University of Maryland said.
Selecting the famed amphibian as commencement speaker, the school said, "honors the long history" between the university and Jim Henson. The Muppets creator graduated from the University of Maryland in 1960.
The "It's Not Easy Being Green" crooner is an unconventional choice — some of the University of Maryland's past commencement speakers have included Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (D) and former Vice President Al Gore.
“Nothing could make these feet happier than to speak at the University of Maryland. 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!” Kermit said in a statement.
“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,” Darryll Pines, the president of the University of Maryland, said.