Call it the “Kermencement” at the University of Maryland, where the graduation stage Thursday night will feature a froggy favorite: Kermit the Frog, delivering what will be his first commencement address in nearly 30 years.
“I’m so humbled by it,” Kermit said. “I’m kind of taking this seriously — as seriously as a singing, dancing frog can take anything.”
Maryland knows Muppets well: Their creator, Jim Henson, earned his degree there in 1960, majoring in home economics. He and his wife, Jane, met on campus in a freshman puppetry class. Henson is honored with a statue at the university’s College Park campus, alongside his amphibian sidekick.
Kermit’s message to grads this year? Take the proverbial “leap” into opportunity and remember that this big step into adulthood doesn’t mean leaving behind their inner children.
“Maybe we’re at our best when we allow ourselves to continue to grow and learn something new every day,” Kermit said.
“I kind of hope these graduates keep that sophisticated childlike sense of curiosity and imagination and innovation as they travel down their paths.”
