Internet Reacts: Kermit The Frog As UMD's 2025 Commencement Speaker

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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The Announcement & Initial Reactions

The official announcement from UMD, [insert link to official announcement here if available], broke the internet. The news quickly spread across social media platforms, igniting a firestorm of comments, shares, and memes. Initial reactions were a fascinating blend of surprise, humor, and genuine excitement.

• Positive Reactions: Many lauded the choice, highlighting Kermit's iconic status and his association with positive messages of perseverance and overcoming challenges. Tweets like "[Insert example of a positive tweet here, e.g., "Kermit for Commencement! This is the best news I've heard all year! #KermitCommencement #UMDGraduation"]" captured the enthusiastic response from many graduates-to-be.

• Humorous Reactions: The internet's creativity exploded with memes and jokes. #KermitCommencement and #UMDGraduation quickly became trending hashtags. Examples include images of Kermit in a graduation gown, Kermit giving a motivational speech, and humorous comparisons between Kermit's life lessons and the challenges of higher education. One particularly popular meme showed Kermit saying, "[Insert example of a humorous meme quote here, e.g., "Hi-ho, Kermit here, to remind you that college was hard but you DID IT!"]".

• Skeptical/Surprised Reactions: While many celebrated the news, some expressed initial skepticism or surprise. Comments ranged from questioning the university's decision-making process to expressing concerns about the appropriateness of a Muppet delivering a commencement speech. These reactions, while sometimes critical, added another layer to the vibrant online conversation.

Why Kermit? Analyzing UMD's Choice

UMD's decision to invite Kermit is certainly unconventional. Several possible explanations emerge:

• Positive Messaging & Perseverance: Kermit embodies perseverance, famously overcoming obstacles and delivering inspirational messages. This aligns with the message UMD likely wants to convey to its graduating class.

• Media Attention & Viral Marketing: The choice is undeniably a masterclass in viral marketing. The announcement generated massive media coverage and social media engagement, significantly increasing awareness of UMD's 2025 commencement ceremony.

• Alignment with UMD Values: While not explicitly stated, Kermit's wholesome image and emphasis on teamwork and collaboration could be seen as aligning with UMD's values (further research into UMD's mission statement would be needed to solidify this point).

The impact on attendance and graduate engagement is likely to be significant. The novelty of the event will undoubtedly attract a larger audience than a more traditional speaker might.

The Memes & Viral Content

The internet's response to Kermit's selection has been a flood of creative memes and viral content. These range from simple image macros to elaborate video edits.

• Popular Memes: [Include a few examples here – either images or detailed descriptions of popular memes related to Kermit and UMD Commencement]. The humor often plays on the juxtaposition of a beloved children's character with the formality of a graduation ceremony.

• Social Media Amplification: Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have been instrumental in spreading the news and amplifying the meme culture surrounding Kermit's selection. The use of relevant hashtags has been crucial in fostering community engagement.

• Impact on Perception: The meme culture surrounding Kermit's selection has, on balance, been positive. It has softened the initial surprise and made the announcement more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.

Beyond the Memes: Serious Discussion of the Announcement

Beyond the humorous memes, the announcement of Kermit the Frog as commencement speaker prompts a deeper reflection on graduation ceremonies and their evolving purpose:

• Non-Traditional Speakers: The choice challenges the traditional notion of commencement speakers. It suggests a move away from strictly political or academic figures towards figures with broader cultural appeal.

• Changing Attitudes: The positive reception of this unconventional choice reflects a shift in how we approach graduation ceremonies. There's a growing appreciation for events that are memorable, engaging, and reflective of contemporary culture.

• UMD's Message: UMD’s selection of Kermit could be interpreted as a message of celebrating creativity, embracing the unexpected, and finding inspiration in unexpected places.

Conclusion

The internet's reaction to Kermit the Frog being named UMD's 2025 commencement speaker has been overwhelmingly positive, a delightful blend of surprise, humor, and thoughtful discussion. The initial shock gave way to a wave of creative memes and a broader conversation about the evolving nature of graduation ceremonies. The announcement has undeniably created a memorable and viral moment, boosting UMD's visibility and showcasing a willingness to embrace unconventional approaches.

What are your thoughts on Kermit the Frog as UMD's 2025 Commencement speaker? Share your reactions and opinions using #KermitCommencement and #UMDGraduation! Let's continue the conversation about this unexpected and engaging announcement. Join the online discussion and share your thoughts on this surprising choice for the UMD Commencement speaker.