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Kermit the Frog Named University of Maryland Commencement Speaker, Sparks Student Debate
Students at the University of Maryland are reacting to the unconventional choice of commencement speaker for their upcoming graduation ceremony: Kermit the Frog. The selection of the beloved Muppet has generated mixed reactions, with some celebrating the lightheartedness while others express disappointment, questioning the choice of a fictional character to address graduates during a period of significant change in higher education. This decision has ignited discussions on campus about the role of commencement speeches and the current climate in academia.
Mixed Student Reactions to Unconventional Speaker
Andrew Thompson, a University of Maryland senior, expressed surprise upon learning that the commencement speaker would be Kermit the Frog, rather than a figure from politics, technology, or space exploration. While some students embraced the selection, playfully dubbing the event “Ker-mencement,” Thompson and his roommates felt underwhelmed. He voiced concerns about seeking meaningful guidance from a puppet, stating, “It’s a little silly, having a puppet as a commencement speaker.”
University Defends Choice Amidst Broader Higher Education Concerns
This year’s graduation occurs against a backdrop of considerable shifts in higher education, including proposed federal policy changes and funding uncertainties. The University of Maryland highlighted Kermit’s connection to the institution, noting that his creator, Jim Henson, was an alumnus. However, some students, like Rohin Mishra, the opinion editor of the student newspaper, suggested the university might be side-stepping serious issues by choosing a less conventional speaker. Mishra commented, “I’m sure it’ll be funny…I don’t know how much insight it will bring.”
University Spokesperson Cites Henson Legacy and Positive Feedback
In response to inquiries about the selection, a university spokeswoman indicated that Kermit was chosen to honor Jim Henson’s legacy and that the decision had been met with positive responses from the student body. David Murray, executive director of the Professional Speechwriters Association, viewed Kermit as a potentially strategic and “intriguing” choice during a sensitive period for universities. He noted the hesitancy of high-profile speakers to engage in commencement addresses given the current climate, stating, “The schools are walking on eggshells…because everybody is afraid of having their endowment messed with, being investigated, having their funding cut off.”
Potential Risks and Scripted Remarks
While Kermit is expected to adhere to a prepared script written by Muppets writers and performed by puppeteer Matt Vogel, Murray pointed out potential unforeseen issues, even with a puppet. Frank Reifsnyder, a Muppets Studio spokesman, confirmed Kermit’s speech would be scripted and voiced by Vogel but did not comment on whether current events would be addressed.
Deja Vu? Kermit’s Past Commencement and Varying Opinions
Kermit’s selection echoes a prior commencement address at Southampton College in 1996, which elicited mixed reactions, from celebratory frog-themed graduation caps to student skepticism. Samantha Chie, a marine biology major at the time, remarked to The New York Times, “I’ve been here laboring for five years and now we have a sock talking at our commencement. It’s kind of upsetting.” Similar divided opinions have surfaced at the University of Maryland.
Student Perspectives: Excitement and Skepticism
Geoffrey Zhang, a senior, expressed enthusiasm for Kermit’s upcoming speech, believing he would bring “the kind of fun we need when the world is so uncertain.” Conversely, Apurva Mahajan observed a blend of excitement and indifference among students, suggesting Kermit is a “very safe option” unlikely to make controversial statements. Mahajan anticipates a “generic commencement speech.”
A “Safe” Message for Uncertain Times?
The choice of Kermit the Frog may subtly communicate a message of caution to graduates navigating a complex world, particularly as institutions face external pressures. Whether this resonates with the graduating class remains to be seen. Rohin Mishra, while graduating, expressed his ambivalence, stating, “I don’t even think I’ll end up going. I’ll watch the speech on YouTube or something.”