Kermit The Frog As UMD Commencement Speaker: A Hilarious Online Response

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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The internet exploded with laughter and memes when the University of Maryland announced a truly unexpected commencement speaker: Kermit the Frog! The news, quickly becoming a trending topic under the hashtag #KermitUMD, sparked a wave of humorous reactions across social media, transforming the "Kermit the Frog UMD Commencement" announcement into a viral sensation. This article delves into the hilarious online response, exploring the reasons behind the widespread amusement and showcasing some of the best memes and reactions.

<h2>The Initial Announcement and Social Media Frenzy</h2>

The initial announcement of Kermit the Frog as the University of Maryland's commencement speaker was made via the university's official website and quickly spread across various social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The news was met with a mixture of surprise, disbelief, and outright hilarity.

• Initial Reactions: The online response was immediate and overwhelmingly positive, though in a comedic sense. Many expressed surprise and disbelief, some with humorous skepticism. Others immediately started creating memes and jokes.
• Rapid Spread: The news spread like wildfire, trending across multiple platforms within hours. Hashtags like #KermitUMD, #CommencementSpeaker, and #MarylandGraduation became instantly popular.
• Examples of Viral Content: One particularly popular tweet showed a photoshopped image of Kermit in a graduation gown, captioned, "It's not easy being green… or a commencement speaker." Another meme depicted Kermit looking stressed, with the caption "Me trying to write a commencement speech about higher education... Hi-ho, Kermit here."

<h2>Why the Internet Found it Hilarious</h2>

The humor stemmed from the unexpected juxtaposition of Kermit the Frog, a beloved children's character known for his relatable struggles and often sarcastic wit, with the formal setting of a university commencement ceremony.

• Comedic Elements: The sheer unexpectedness of the announcement was a major source of humor. Kermit, usually associated with children's entertainment, was a stark contrast to the typical serious academics or politicians who usually address graduating classes.
• Analysis of Humor: The humor lies in the absurdity of the situation, the irony of a Muppet delivering a commencement address, and the unexpectedness itself. It tapped into a collective desire for something lighthearted and fun, especially in the context of a potentially serious event.
• Relatability and Meme-ability: Kermit's struggles, often depicted in The Muppet Show, resonated with many who could relate to the challenges of higher education. This inherent relatability contributed significantly to the meme-ability of the situation.

<h2>The Best Memes and Online Reactions</h2>

The internet responded to the "Kermit the Frog UMD Commencement" news with a torrent of creativity. Countless memes flooded social media, many referencing Kermit's personality and iconic phrases.

• Meme Categories: Memes ranged from those depicting Kermit in a graduation cap and gown to those featuring him delivering hilariously inappropriate commencement speeches. Some memes played on Kermit's known struggles, while others focused on the absurdity of the situation.
• Recurring Themes: Recurring themes included Kermit's expressions of stress and anxiety, his witty observations, and the contrast between his typically lighthearted persona and the seriousness of the event.
• Notable Reactions: Several notable social media influencers and even some celebrities chimed in, adding to the overall virality of the news and further fueling the creation of memes and humorous posts.

<h2>The Underlying Message (If Any)</h2>

While the primary response was undoubtedly humorous, some speculated on the underlying message of the University of Maryland's unconventional choice.

• University Motives: Some suggested the university was aiming for a publicity stunt to generate positive buzz and increase its visibility. Others speculated that it was a deliberate attempt to lighten the mood and create a memorable commencement ceremony.
• Positive and Negative Aspects: The publicity was overwhelmingly positive, generating significant media coverage and engagement. However, some critics argued that it trivialized the significance of the commencement ceremony.
• Impact on University Image: Ultimately, the "Kermit the Frog UMD Commencement" event significantly boosted the university's image, proving that a little humor can go a long way in capturing public attention.

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

The unexpected announcement of Kermit the Frog as the University of Maryland commencement speaker resulted in an overwhelmingly positive, and hilarious, online response. The "Kermit the Frog UMD Commencement" news went viral due to the unexpectedness, the meme-ability of the situation, and the relatable nature of Kermit's persona. The event successfully generated significant buzz and positive publicity for the university. Share your funniest Kermit UMD commencement memes below! What did you think of the Kermit the Frog UMD commencement announcement? Let us know in the comments! #KermitUMD #CommencementSpeaker #MarylandGraduation