University Of Maryland Names Kermit The Frog 2024 Commencement Speaker

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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The University's Rationale Behind the Choice

The University of Maryland's decision to invite Kermit the Frog as their 2024 commencement speaker is undeniably bold. But what prompted this unique choice? Several factors likely played a role:

• Kermit's Relatability and Iconic Status: Kermit the Frog is a globally recognized icon, instantly recognizable to multiple generations. His enduring appeal lies in his relatability; he embodies perseverance, facing challenges with humor and grace. This resonates deeply with graduating students embarking on their own journeys into the often-uncertain world beyond academia.

• "It's Not Easy Being Green": A Message of Perseverance: Kermit's famous catchphrase perfectly encapsulates the struggles and triumphs inherent in higher education and life beyond. His message of perseverance in the face of adversity is a powerful and inspiring one for graduating students.

• Increased Media Attention and Positive PR: The unconventional choice of Kermit the Frog is guaranteed to generate significant media attention, providing the University of Maryland with invaluable positive press and boosting its visibility on a global scale. This could significantly impact the university's reputation and attract prospective students.

• Attracting Younger Audiences and Generating Excitement: The selection is a strategic move to energize the graduation ceremony and attract younger audiences. It injects fun and excitement into a traditionally formal event, creating a memorable experience for both graduates and their families.

Student Reaction to the Announcement

The announcement of Kermit the Frog as the commencement speaker has elicited a wide range of reactions from the University of Maryland student body:

• Positive Reactions: Many students have expressed excitement and anticipation, looking forward to an entertaining and uplifting speech. They appreciate the university's willingness to take a creative risk and choose a speaker who is both unique and universally loved.

• Negative Reactions (if any): While overwhelmingly positive, some students have expressed concerns about the seriousness of the occasion, questioning whether Kermit is a suitable choice for such a formal event. These concerns, however, are likely to be overshadowed by the overall excitement.

• Neutral Reactions: Some students remain curious and are adopting a "wait-and-see" approach, eager to see how Kermit's speech unfolds and what message he delivers to the graduating class.

Social media is abuzz with reactions, using hashtags like #UMDGraduation, #KermitTheFrog, and #CommencementSpeaker to express excitement and share opinions.

Potential Impact on the University of Maryland's Reputation

The decision to invite Kermit the Frog as a commencement speaker carries both potential benefits and risks for the University of Maryland's reputation:

• Positive Impact: The choice could dramatically boost the university's global recognition, portraying it as innovative, forward-thinking, and even fun-loving. This unconventional approach could significantly enhance its brand image, attracting prospective students and alumni.

• Negative Impact (Potential): Some critics might argue that the choice lacks seriousness, potentially diminishing the prestige of the graduation ceremony. Concerns about the event's cost might also arise.

• Neutral Impact: Regardless of whether the reaction is entirely positive or negative, the event is guaranteed to be widely discussed, generating significant publicity and making the 2024 University of Maryland commencement a truly memorable one. This could positively influence applications and alumni engagement in the long term.

Past Unique Commencement Speakers at Other Universities (Comparative Analysis)

While unusual, the University of Maryland's choice isn't unprecedented. Other universities have invited unconventional commencement speakers in the past, often with positive results. For example, [Insert example of a university with a unique commencement speaker and briefly describe the outcome]. This demonstrates a growing trend towards embracing creativity and relatability in graduation ceremonies.

Conclusion

The University of Maryland's decision to invite Kermit the Frog as their 2024 commencement speaker is a bold, unexpected, and potentially game-changing move. The diverse student reactions and the potential impact on the university's reputation highlight the significant implications of this unique choice. This event promises to be memorable, generating significant discussion and potentially shaping future commencement speaker selections. The 2024 graduation ceremony is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of the year.

What are your thoughts on this unusual commencement speaker? Share your predictions for Kermit's speech! Let us know your excitement level for the University of Maryland's 2024 graduation ceremony featuring Kermit the Frog! #UMDGraduation #KermitTheFrog #CommencementSpeaker #2024Graduation