Internet Reacts: Kermit The Frog Speaks At UMD Graduation

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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The Speech Itself: Key Moments and Themes

Kermit’s UMD commencement address wasn't your typical graduation speech. While offering inspirational messages, it was infused with Kermit's signature wit and self-deprecating humor. He cleverly weaved together anecdotes from his own life (and the lives of the Muppets), offering relatable advice to the graduating class.

• Inspiring Messages: Kermit emphasized the importance of perseverance, embracing challenges, and finding your own unique voice. He stressed the value of hard work and the importance of staying true to yourself, even when facing setbacks.
• Humorous Elements: The speech was punctuated with jokes and witty observations, keeping the audience engaged and entertained. His self-deprecating humor resonated with the graduates, making the serious message more palatable.
• References to Kermit's Life and the Muppets: Kermit subtly incorporated references to his own experiences, using them as relatable examples to illustrate his points about overcoming obstacles and achieving your dreams. He even managed to sneak in a few mentions of Miss Piggy, much to the delight of the audience.
• Specific Advice to Graduates: Kermit urged the graduates to be brave, to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and to always strive for excellence, reminding them that "it's not easy being green," but it's certainly rewarding. The "Kermit the Frog speech" quickly became a source of motivational quotes shared across social media.

Positive Internet Reactions: Praise and Appreciation

The online response to Kermit’s UMD commencement address was overwhelmingly positive. The hashtag #KermitUMD trended globally, with countless users sharing their appreciation for the speech. Positive reactions flowed in from all corners of the internet.

• Supportive Tweets and Social Media Posts: Thousands of tweets and social media posts praised Kermit's inspiring message, his unique delivery, and the overall unexpected joy of the event. Many graduates shared photos and videos of the moment, emphasizing the memorable and uplifting experience.
• Praise for the Speech's Content and Delivery: Commenters lauded Kermit's ability to blend humor and inspiration, creating a speech that was both entertaining and meaningful. His relatable anecdotes and genuine sincerity resonated deeply with many viewers.
• Heartwarming Stories and Comments from Graduates: Graduates shared personal stories about how Kermit's words resonated with their own experiences, highlighting the speech's powerful and lasting impact.

Negative or Mixed Internet Reactions: Criticism and Memes

While largely positive, some internet reactions were mixed or even humorous. The unexpected nature of the event naturally led to some creative and satirical responses.

• Memes and Satirical Comments: The internet's response was quick to produce a stream of memes, featuring Kermit in various humorous scenarios related to graduation, success, and the overall unexpectedness of the event. These memes added a layer of lightheartedness to the overall discussion.
• Criticism of the Choice of Speaker or Speech Content: A small minority voiced criticism, questioning the choice of Kermit as a commencement speaker, highlighting the perceived lack of seriousness for such an occasion. However, this criticism was largely overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive sentiment.
• Analyzing the Humor and its Context: The humor generated online stemmed largely from the surprise element and the inherent incongruity of a muppet delivering a graduation speech. This unexpectedness fueled much of the online engagement and made it a memorable event.

The Impact and Legacy: Kermit's Enduring Appeal and UMD's Branding

Kermit’s surprise appearance at UMD’s graduation ceremony had a significant impact, extending beyond the immediate viral moment.

• Impact on UMD's Image and Branding: The event generated substantial positive publicity for the University of Maryland, attracting widespread attention and enhancing its brand image as a progressive and engaging institution.
• Potential Increase in Applications or Donations: The unexpected viral success could very well translate into increased interest in UMD from prospective students and potential donors alike. The positive media coverage provided invaluable exposure and brand enhancement.
• Kermit's Continued Relevance in Pop Culture: The event underscored Kermit's enduring appeal and his continued relevance in contemporary pop culture. This speaks to his timeless message of perseverance and optimism, which resonates across generations.
• Potential for Future Collaborations: The success of this collaboration opens doors for similar, innovative partnerships between educational institutions and pop culture icons.

Conclusion: The Internet Reacts: Kermit's Enduring Impact on UMD Graduation

The internet’s reaction to Kermit the Frog’s surprise UMD graduation speech was a fascinating blend of positive praise, humorous memes, and insightful commentary. The speech itself, focusing on inspirational themes delivered with Kermit’s unique blend of humor and sincerity, resonated deeply with many. The overwhelmingly positive response highlights Kermit’s enduring appeal and the power of unexpected moments to generate widespread engagement and positive brand association for UMD. What were your thoughts on Kermit's surprise appearance? Share your reaction using #KermitUMD #UMDGraduation #KermitTheFrog. The enduring impact of this event is undeniable, showcasing the power of a well-placed, unexpected appearance to leave a lasting legacy.