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

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on May 24, 2025

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The Initial Announcement and its Impact

The official announcement, disseminated via UMD's official Twitter account and subsequent press release, immediately ignited a firestorm of activity across social media. The news spread like wildfire, rapidly becoming a trending topic.

• Platform Explosions: "#KermitAtUMD" trended globally on Twitter, reaching the top spots in several countries. Facebook groups dedicated to UMD erupted with excited comments, sharing GIFs, and engaging in lively discussions. Reddit threads dedicated to the University and memes saw an influx of Kermit-related posts. The initial shock gave way to widespread amusement and excitement. The unexpected nature of the announcement was a key factor in its virality; nobody expected the beloved Muppet to be gracing the UMD commencement stage.

Memes and Viral Content

The internet's reaction to Kermit the Frog as UMD's Commencement speaker wasn't just excitement; it was a full-blown meme-fest. The announcement spurred a torrent of creative online content:

• Meme Mania: Memes featuring Kermit's famous quotes applied to the context of graduation ("Hi-ho, Kermit here, ready to give you some wise words on finding your froggy path!") flooded social media. Images depicting Kermit in a graduation cap and gown became instantly iconic. Many played on his often-serious demeanor juxtaposed against the absurdity of the situation.
• Video Reactions: Videos of people reacting to the news with humorous over-the-top excitement – everything from shocked silence to joyous dancing – further fueled the viral spread. These videos were shared extensively across TikTok and Instagram, generating a wave of user-generated content, many using the #KermitAtUMD hashtag. (Placeholder for example video link, if available). The visual nature of these reactions amplified the impact of the announcement.

This viral content significantly boosted the overall perception of the announcement, turning a potentially controversial decision into a celebratory event.

Positive and Negative Reactions

While the overwhelming online sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, some initial skepticism did exist. A small segment questioned the choice, with concerns about the seriousness of a commencement address delivered by a Muppet.

• Positive Feedback: However, the positive feedback far outweighed any negativity. Kermit's relatable struggles, his perseverance in the face of adversity (as seen in numerous Muppet Show episodes), and his enduring positive association with childhood resonated with many. His iconic status and association with wholesome entertainment made him a surprisingly suitable commencement speaker in many people's eyes. Many felt his message could be profound.
• Demographic Analysis: (Placeholder for demographic data, if available. This section could include information on age groups, student vs. non-student opinions, etc., to give a more complete picture of the online response).

Kermit's Potential Speech Themes

Speculation is rife regarding what Kermit might discuss in his commencement speech. Given his personality and past experiences, several themes seem particularly relevant:

• Overcoming Challenges: Kermit's constant struggle to maintain order and keep the Muppets on track is a rich source of material for a speech about perseverance and dealing with setbacks.
• Finding Your Voice: Kermit's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beloved icon speaks to the importance of self-discovery and pursuing your dreams.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: The collaborative nature of the Muppet Show highlights the value of teamwork and the power of diverse perspectives in achieving common goals. He could inspire graduates to embrace collaboration in their future endeavors.

Conclusion

The announcement of Kermit the Frog as UMD's 2025 Commencement speaker has proven to be a massive online success, generating a wave of hilarious memes and enthusiastic reactions. While some may have initially questioned the choice, the overall response has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting Kermit’s enduring appeal and his potential to deliver an inspiring and memorable speech. The University of Maryland has certainly created a memorable commencement anticipation campaign.

Call to Action: Are you excited about Kermit the Frog's upcoming commencement speech at UMD? Share your thoughts and predictions using #KermitAtUMD! Join the conversation and let's see what other surprises the internet holds in store for this unique and memorable commencement. Let the Kermit the Frog commencement hype continue!