Kermit the Frog speaks at UMD commencement

The University of Maryland (UMD) is hosting a unique commencement speaker for its 2025 graduating class after inviting Kermit the Frog to take part in the ceremony. The bright-green Muppet was created by Jim Henson, a UMD alumnus who graduated in 1960. Henson, who passed away in 1990 at the age of 53, fashioned Kermit in 1955 from his mother's coat and split ping pong balls. The iconic frog previously visited the campus in fall 2024, headlining the College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Lecture Series, according to a statement from the university. LiveNOW’s Austin Westfall is providing updates from the ceremony.