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But Kermit the Frog, a Peabody Award winner and best-selling author (and muppet) will do both in May, when he will return to the campus where he was first brought to life (by creator and alum Jim Henson, Class of 1960) to deliver the commencement speech in May.
The school made the announcement this week, and the internet's reaction is everything you could've ever hoped for.
"Kermencement," one absolute genius commented on UMD's post on Facebook.
Others begged for the event to be live-streamed, while many expressed extreme jealousy, wishing Kermit was the one who spoke at their commencement ceremonies.
Jokes aside, the world’s most beloved amphibian will take the stage on Wednesday, May 21, to address UMD’s summer 2024, winter 2024, and spring 2025 graduates.
A statue of Kermit and creator Jim Henson 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,” Kermit said in a statement. “So if a few encouraging words from a frog can help, then I’ll be there!”
The announcement came in a video worthy of the silver screen, teasing the guest speaker as an "environmental advocate, best-selling author, Peabody Award winner, champion of creativity, kindness, and believing in the impossible, international superstar, 'Amphibitarian,' as well as a friend to all creatures."
Then Kermit himself popped on screen with a humble: “I guess it’s me.”
Kermit the Frog
Kermit’s last appearance on campus came in fall 2024, when he packed the house during the College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Lecture Series.
This time, he’s returning as the main act — a nod to the deep ties between the university and Jim Henson, who famously crafted the original Kermit puppet from his mother’s old coat and a pair of ping-pong balls.
“Our pride in Jim Henson knows no bounds,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “It is an honor to welcome Kermit the Frog to our campus, 65 years after Mr. Henson graduated from the University of Maryland.”
The ceremony will be held at SECU Stadium, where thousands of new Terp grads — and probably more than a few parents who grew up on “The Muppet Show” — will gather for a truly unforgettable sendoff.
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