University Of Maryland Commencement: A Famous Amphibian Speaks

Natalie Brooks

3 min read

Post on May 24, 2025

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The Unexpected Guest Speaker

This year's University of Maryland Commencement featured a most unusual guest: Ferdinand, a green tree frog who achieved viral fame thanks to a series of adorable videos showcasing his surprisingly sophisticated palate for gourmet insects. Ferdinand, a true internet sensation and arguably the most famous frog on campus, became associated with the University of Maryland after a video of him meticulously selecting his supper went viral among UMD students.

• Ferdinand's popularity exploded online, with millions of views across various social media platforms. His charming personality and discerning taste quickly made him a campus legend.
• Prior to his commencement address, Ferdinand had already made several cameo appearances at university events, further cementing his status as an unofficial mascot.

The Commencement Speech Itself

Ferdinand's commencement address was delivered in a unique and fittingly creative manner: a pre-recorded video montage. The video intercut charming footage of Ferdinand with inspirational quotes and messages relevant to graduation.

• Key themes focused on embracing the unknown, perseverance in the face of adversity, and the importance of finding your unique niche in the world – all delivered with the silent but powerful presence of Ferdinand.
• The audience's reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with many graduates expressing their delight and amusement. Social media was flooded with pictures and videos of students mimicking Ferdinand's signature pose.
• The most memorable aspect? The video concluded with a short clip of Ferdinand seemingly "conferring" diplomas to the graduating class – a truly unique and memorable moment.

Social Media Reaction and University Response

The unconventional commencement speaker generated a significant buzz across social media platforms. The hashtag #UMDCommencement was trending nationally, with thousands of tweets, posts, and shares discussing the event.

• Social media engagement was off the charts, exceeding all previous commencement-related posts by a significant margin.
• Tweets like, “Ferdinand for President!” and “Best. Commencement. Ever!” captured the overall positive sentiment.
• The University of Maryland officially embraced the moment, releasing a statement praising Ferdinand's "inspiring" presence and commending the creative team behind the video. The university highlighted the event's success in reaching a wider audience and boosting school spirit.

The Legacy of the Amphibian Commencement Speaker

Ferdinand's appearance at the University of Maryland Commencement is poised to have a lasting impact.

• This unique event is almost guaranteed to become a beloved tradition, a quirky tale passed down to future graduating classes.
• Ferdinand's participation significantly boosted the University's profile, generating significant positive media coverage both locally and nationally.

Conclusion

This year's University of Maryland Commencement was an undeniably unique event, largely due to the unexpected and charming presence of Ferdinand, the famous amphibian. His unconventional "speech" and the overall positive response from students and social media make this commencement a memorable one, highlighting the ability of even the most unusual events to create meaningful connections and shared experiences.

Want to learn more about this memorable University of Maryland Commencement? Check out [link to relevant news article or University website]. Share your thoughts on this unique event using the hashtag #UMDCommencement. Learn more about future University of Maryland Commencement events by visiting [link to University website].