COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WFLA) — Graduating students at the University of Maryland were treated to a commencement address from a suspiciously green speaker: Kermit the Frog.

It wasn’t Kermit’s first time at the school, Muppets creator Jim Henson graduated from the University of Maryland with a home economics degree in 1969. There’s even a statue of Henson and Kermit on campus.

Complete with doctoral robes and cap, Kermit shared some words of wisdom with graduates and encouraged them to lean on each other, rather than compete with each other.

 “Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side, because life is better when we leap together,” the frog said.

Graduates in the audience could be seen listening intently, some holding signs and Kermit stuffed animals.

It’s not easy to graduate into a world of political turmoil, but hopefully, the encouraging words from the friendly muppet helped these grads see the future is bright.

“Because life’s like a movie. Write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending. You’ve all done just what you set out to do,” Kermit told the crowd.