Internet Reacts: Kermit The Frog As UMD's 2025 Commencement Speaker

Pedro Alvarez

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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The Initial Shock and Social Media Explosion

The news of Kermit's selection broke like a surprise amphibian invasion. Twitter, in particular, became ground zero for the initial reactions.

Twitter's Role in Spreading the News

Within minutes, the hashtag #KermitUMD began trending alongside #UMDCommencement and other related terms. Tweets ranged from witty observations ("Guess I'll be wearing my best lily pad to graduation!") to genuine enthusiasm. The sheer volume of tweets, retweets, and quoted tweets showcasing a mix of disbelief and delight indicated a significant digital impact. Many news outlets picked up the story, further amplifying the reach of the announcement.

Meme Culture Takes Over

The internet's meme-making machinery immediately sprang into action. Images of Kermit in a graduation cap and gown quickly proliferated, alongside creative edits featuring him alongside other iconic UMD imagery. These memes served to both encapsulate the surprise and amplify the overall sense of lighthearted amusement.

• Example Tweet 1: "I'm not crying, you're crying! #KermitUMD #UMDCommencement" (Image of Kermit wiping a tear)
• Example Meme: A picture of Kermit superimposed onto the UMD campus, captioned "Hi-ho, Kermit here! Ready to graduate!"
• Social Media Engagement: While precise statistics are difficult to gather immediately, the sheer volume of posts across Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram clearly demonstrated massive engagement.

Positive Reactions: Why Kermit Resonates with Graduates

Beyond the initial shock and humor, many expressed genuine excitement about Kermit's selection. His appeal lies in a few key factors.

Kermit's Relatability and Inspirational Message

Kermit's enduring charm stems from his relatable struggles. He embodies perseverance, the challenges of pursuing one's dreams, and ultimately, finding one's place in the world – themes deeply resonant with graduating students facing their own uncertain futures. His "it's not easy being green" mantra becomes a powerful message of embracing individuality and navigating life's complexities.

The Muppet's Legacy and Intergenerational Appeal

Kermit transcends generational boundaries. He's a beloved character for both Gen Z and older generations, creating a unique common ground. His decades-long presence in popular culture ensures widespread recognition and positive associations, making him an undeniably suitable commencement speaker, albeit an unusual one.

• Positive Comments: Many online comments praised UMD's choice, highlighting Kermit's inspirational qualities and his ability to connect with a broad audience.
• Inspirational Quotes: Quotes like "Life's like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending." resonate deeply with graduates embarking on their post-graduation journeys.
• Nostalgic Connection: For older generations, Kermit represents fond childhood memories, adding a layer of sentimental appeal to the announcement.

Negative Reactions and Critical Analyses

Despite the largely positive response, some voiced concerns and criticisms.

Concerns about the "Seriousness" of Commencement

Some argued that a commencement speaker should embody significant academic or professional achievement. They questioned the appropriateness of choosing a Muppet, suggesting it undermined the solemnity of the graduation ceremony and the accomplishments of the graduating class.

The Debate on Tradition vs. Innovation

UMD's decision sparked a debate surrounding tradition versus innovation. The choice represents a bold departure from the usual selection of established academics or political figures, signifying a willingness to embrace unconventional approaches and generate excitement.

• Negative Comments: Some criticized UMD, claiming the choice was frivolous and disrespectful to the graduates.
• Counterarguments: Many defended UMD's decision, arguing that a unique choice fosters greater engagement and positive publicity.
• Official Statements: While UMD hasn't explicitly addressed the negative reactions, the overall positive online buzz suggests the university anticipated and perhaps even welcomed the initial controversy.

The Lasting Impact and Potential for Further Discussion

The "Kermit the Frog UMD Commencement" event will likely have long-term effects.

Kermit's Commencement as a Marketing Success

The publicity generated for UMD is undeniable. The unconventional choice created massive online buzz, resulting in significant free marketing and media coverage. This highlights the potential of using unique and memorable commencement speakers to elevate a university's profile.

The Broader Conversation on Commencement Speakers

This event prompts a broader conversation about the role and selection of commencement speakers. It challenges conventional wisdom and encourages universities to consider more diverse and engaging figures, potentially moving beyond the usual pool of established professionals and academics.

• Long-Term Effects: The event could potentially enhance UMD's image as an innovative and forward-thinking institution.
• Future Trends: It may inspire other universities to consider unconventional commencement speaker choices.
• Viral Potential: Kermit's actual commencement speech has the potential to go viral, further solidifying this event's place in internet history.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Kermit's UMD Commencement

The internet's reaction to Kermit the Frog being named UMD's 2025 commencement speaker was multifaceted, ranging from amusement and surprise to genuine excitement and even some criticism. Yet, the overwhelmingly positive engagement highlights the enduring appeal of Kermit and the university's ability to generate massive publicity through an unconventional choice. The "Kermit the Frog UMD Commencement" serves as a case study in the power of unique and memorable events in the digital age. Share your thoughts using #KermitUMD and join the conversation! Who would you choose as a commencement speaker?