The Greatest University Commencement Speech Ever
On May 22, 2025, the University of Maryland hosted a graduation ceremony that no one in attendance will likely forget. Among the thousands of proud families and beaming graduates stood a moment that was as unexpected as it was inspiring. Delivering the commencement speech that day was none other than Kermit the Frog, the beloved Muppet and cultural icon.
What made this speech so memorable wasn’t just the speaker, it was the message.
The university, aiming to offer a speaker who could rise above the political and cultural divisions of today, made a bold and brilliant choice. Kermit, created by the late Jim Henson (a University of Maryland alumnus, Class of 1960), brought both nostalgia and wisdom to the stage—just in time for the 70th anniversary of his “birth.” While some may have seen it as playful or humorous, Kermit’s words held genuine value for everyone in attendance: graduates, parents, and even seasoned professionals.
Kermit the Frog’s Advice to the Class of 2025
In a sea of caps and gowns, amidst cheers and laughter, Kermit offered three simple but powerful pieces of advice:
- Find Your People
- Take a Leap
- Make Connections
Let’s take a closer look at why this frog’s words might just be the best business and life advice one can receive.
Find Your People
Kermit’s first message encouraged graduates to “find your people”, a reminder that success isn’t a solo journey. In business and life, building a network of mentors, peers, and collaborators is essential.
Whether someone is just starting out or deep into their career, having a supportive community is invaluable. Shared experiences, guidance, and mutual encouragement can help individuals avoid common pitfalls and grow faster. The saying “it takes a village” applies as much to entrepreneurship and career building as it does to raising children.
Take a Leap
The second lesson focused on taking calculated risks. Starting a new career or launching a business always involves some level of uncertainty. Kermit encouraged the class to have the courage to “take a leap.”
Entrepreneurship, in particular, demands resilience and bold decision-making. Not everyone is suited for it and that’s okay. But for those who are, embracing risk and stepping outside of the comfort zone is often what leads to real growth and opportunity.
Make Connections
Perhaps the most universally applicable advice Kermit offered was the importance of making and nurturing connections. Success often comes not just from what someone knows, but who they know.
Strong professional networks built over time can open doors, generate referrals, and provide support during tough times. In today’s digital world, platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook make it easier than ever to stay connected and expand one’s circle of influence.
Genuine relationships, where value is exchanged both ways, form the foundation of lasting success in both career and life.
Why This Commencement Speech Stands Out
What sets Kermit’s commencement speech apart from thousands of others? It’s not just the celebrity factor. It’s the fact that graduates will actually remember it.
In an era of endless content and digital overload, it’s rare for a moment to stick. Most people don’t recall who spoke at their own graduation, even a few years later. But the 2025 graduates of the University of Maryland will always remember their speaker—because it was Kermit. The unique delivery, humor, and heart made it a speech worth remembering.
More than 35 years have passed since my college graduation, and I, along with many of my alumnae cannot recall a word from our ceremony. But thanks to a fictional frog with a timeless voice and a wise soul, this group of graduates left their big day with advice that can guide them well into the future.
A Memorable Moment in a Divided Time
In a world dominated by headlines, controversy, and division, Kermit’s message served as a gentle reminder that wisdom can come from the most unexpected places. It’s comforting to know that for one proud parent, watching their daughter cross the stage to begin her journey toward becoming a doctor, the memory of a rainy graduation day will always be tied to a frog’s words of inspiration.
And that, many would agree, is what makes it the greatest commencement speech ever.
