Kermit the Frog advised University of Maryland graduates to “leap together” in a commencement speech Thursday.
As the guest speaker for the 2025 graduation ceremonies, the green Muppet urged students to work together and bridge divides in what was billed as a “Kermencement speech.” It came on the 70th anniversary of Kermit’s creation by UMD alum Jim Henson.
“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,” he said. “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.”
The speech gathered international attention from news outlets ranging from The New York Times to NPR to the BBC.
It was filled with the typical Henson approach, including wordplay about frogs, earnest advice on life and the occasional adult-oriented joke.
“Can you be on the lookout for Animal?” Kermit said in one aside. “I hear he hit a few graduation parties last night and we haven’t seen him since.”
You can read a transcript of the speech here or watch a recording here.
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