Kermit The Frog As UMD Commencement Speaker: The Online Response

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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The Initial Shock and Awe

The announcement of Kermit the Frog as the UMD commencement speaker dropped like a bomb on social media. The sheer unexpectedness of the choice – a beloved Muppet instead of a traditional politician, CEO, or academic – immediately ignited a firestorm of disbelief and amusement. Early reactions were a fascinating mix of confusion, laughter, and sheer delight.

Examples of early tweets included phrases like, "Did I just read that right? Kermit at UMD?!", "This is the best commencement speaker EVER!", and "My jaw is on the floor. Kermit at UMD graduation? I'm officially living in a simulation." The announcement quickly spread beyond Twitter, flooding Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit with similar expressions of surprise and excitement.

Initial trending hashtags included:

• #KermitAtUMD
• #UMDGraduation
• #KermitTheFrog
• #CommencementSpeaker
• #HiHoKermit

The choice was a stark departure from typical commencement speaker selections. Instead of the gravitas often associated with such events, UMD opted for a lighthearted and undeniably memorable figure, generating unprecedented buzz and anticipation.

The Meme-ification of Kermit

The announcement didn't just generate conversations; it fueled a full-blown meme factory. Kermit the Frog, already a beloved internet icon, became inextricably linked with UMD and its graduation ceremony. The internet's creativity exploded, resulting in a deluge of memes incorporating Kermit's iconic imagery, phrases, and persona.

Examples included reaction GIFs of Kermit sipping tea, reacting with wide-eyed surprise, and his classic "Hi-ho, Kermit here" moments superimposed onto UMD graduation photos. Image macros featuring Kermit's wise and sometimes sarcastic expressions paired with witty captions about the unexpected commencement speaker flooded social media. Videos showcasing Kermit's musical talents and motivational quotes were also repurposed and shared widely. Meme types included:

• Reaction GIFs
• Image macros
• Videos
• Edited photos

The humor served as a coping mechanism for the initial shock, allowing people to process the unusual news in a fun and engaging way. It also showcased the cultural impact of Kermit the Frog and the power of memes in shaping online conversations.

Positive and Supportive Responses

While the initial shock and meme-making dominated the online conversation, a significant portion of the response was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed genuine excitement and appreciation for the unique choice. Tweets and posts praised UMD for selecting a commencement speaker who was both unexpected and relatable.

Comments highlighted:

• Kermit's relatability: Many felt Kermit's struggles and triumphs mirrored their own experiences as students.
• Positive feedback on the unconventional choice: The selection was viewed as fresh, innovative, and a welcome break from tradition.
• Discussions about Kermit's inspiring messages: Kermit's messages of perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and staying true to oneself resonated with many graduating students.

The reasons for the positive reception were varied. Some appreciated the humor, others valued the break from convention, and many found inspiration in Kermit's journey. The selection was a risk, but one that clearly paid off in terms of generating positive buzz and creating a memorable graduation experience.

Analyzing the Wider Conversation

The online response to Kermit the Frog's UMD commencement address holds broader implications. It highlighted the significant role of social media in shaping public perception and the power of viral trends. The event generated significant buzz, demonstrating how an unexpected choice can capture public attention. This shows the role of celebrity – even a Muppet celebrity – in generating online interest and the potential impact of social media on institutional image.

The widespread use of humor as a coping mechanism for unexpected situations demonstrated the versatility of social media as a platform for collective emotional processing. The conversation around the Kermit the Frog commencement highlights:

• The power of viral trends
• The role of celebrity in generating online buzz
• The impact of social media on institutional image
• The use of humor as a coping mechanism

Conclusion

The online reaction to Kermit the Frog's selection as UMD's commencement speaker was overwhelmingly positive, showcasing the power of humor and the unexpected in capturing public attention. The event generated a vast amount of online engagement, ranging from hilarious memes to enthusiastic support. The diverse reactions illustrate the multifaceted nature of social media discourse and the ability of a surprising choice to create a memorable and widely discussed event.

Did you participate in the online conversation surrounding Kermit the Frog as the UMD commencement speaker? Share your thoughts and memes in the comments below! Let's keep the conversation going about the surprising and memorable Kermit the Frog at UMD Commencement.