The Frog is the Green: A Conversation with a Muppet in Maryland’s 2025 Graduation Student’s Dialogue

It’s not easy to be green, especially during a time of political tumult and economic uncertainty, but that’s what the Frog knows.

A video announcing the speaker pick shows an environmental advocate and a best-selling author, as well as a champion of creativity, kindness and believing in the impossible.

The university announced in March that the centerpiece of the Muppets franchise would be speaking at this year’s graduation. He is familiar with the school.

Members of the University of Maryland’s class of 2025 received their diplomas Thursday evening with sage advice from the amphibious Muppet ringing in their ears.

As you prepare to take this big leap into actual life, please listen to a frog, if you are willing to, the beloved Muppet said. Don’t jump over another person to get what you want, instead reach out your hand and take the leap side by side, life is better when we leap together.”