Press Releases

May 1, 1996
KERMIT THE FROG NAMED 1996 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER AT Southampton College

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY'S CAMPUS TO CONFER FIRST-EVER DOCTORATE OF AMPHIBIOUS LETTERS FOR TV STAR'S ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS

Contact: Jane Finalborgo or Joe Dionisio
(516) 287-8313

Kermitted to the Environment Kermit's Speech (includes audio)

Kermit The Frog, international television and movie star, will deliver the main address for the 30th annual Commencement Exercises at Long Island University's Southampton College on Sunday, May 19, at 2 p.m.

In a cap and gown tailored to the diminutive amphibian, Kermit will receive an honorary degree unique in the annals of higher education -- the Doctorate of Amphibious Letters. The degree recognizes the web-footed thespian's contribution to raising environmental awareness, which is a major part of the College's curriculum.

Renowned for his educational work on public television, Kermit's lessons on ecology, life and friendship have benefited a generation of children, including Southampton's graduating class. Millions of inner-city kids have relied on the amiable frog's appearances on Sesame Street for their first lessons in respecting the environment, understanding cultural differences, and appreciating the arts -- as well as learning the ABC's. His prime-time television series, Muppets Tonight, debuted on ABC March 8, 1996 and will return for a second season.

His theme song, "It's Not Easy Bein' Green," has become a rallying cry of the environmental movement. Kermit has used his celebrity to spread positive messages in public service announcements for the National Wildlife Federation, National Parks Service, the Better World Society, and others.

"In recognizing Kermit, we recognize someone who has always understood that the best way to teach is to engage your audience and the best way to learn is to have fun," said David J. Steinberg, President of Long Island University. "He shows us that mass media can have an enormous positive influence when they choose to."

Born in a southern swamp, the green amphibian should have much to say to the students of Southampton College. Nationally recognized for marine and environmental science, the school has produced 20 Fulbright Scholars in the last 21 years. Kermit will feel right at home on the 110-acre campus, which is surrounded on all sides by water.

At the commencement, Dr. Steinberg will confer degrees upon 231 undergraduates and 18 graduate students. Three others will receive honorary degrees:

• John A. Gambling, who for 32 years hosted the popular New York morning talk- radio show "Rambling With Gambling," will receive the Doctor of Humane Letters degree. His father, John B. Gambling, hosted the program for the first 34 years of its current 71-year run.
• Marijane Meaker, called "the master of the young adult novel" under the pen name M.E. Kerr, will receive the Doctor of Literature degree. Meaker has earned several New York Times awards for Outstanding Book of the Year.
• Robert K. Merton, one of this nation's eminent sociologists and a Columbia University professor since 1941, will receive the Doctor of Humane Letters. Considered the founder of the sociology of science, Merton has been an insightful mentor to generations of scholars. He is the Foundation Scholar at the Russell Sage Foundation.

In outdoor ceremonies on the terrace of Southampton Hall -- formerly a private estate -- Kermit will enjoy a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. The campus is located in the Hamptons, a world-renowned beach resort frequented by celebrities, artists and writers.

Unspoiled by Showbiz.

An Emmy-winner, recording artist and spokesfrog, Kermit made his 1955 television debut on Jim Henson's Sam and Friends. The Muppet Show, which he hosted, ran from 1976 to 1981 and became the most popular syndicated series in television history, with an estimated audience of 235 million people in more than 100 countries.

His television success led to feature film roles in The Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper, The Muppets Take Manhattan, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and Muppet Treasure Island.

He admits to one complaint about his cinematic career: "As a frog, I tend to be typecast." Despite his success, the humble star's webbed feet remain firmly on the marsh. Says he: "I'm just your average, everyday talking frog in show business."

The banjo-toting celebrity has recorded a CD (Kermit Unpigged), hosted The Tonight Show and Larry King Live, met the Queen of England, and addressed students at Oxford University and Harvard.

Michael Connolly, English Chairman at the Greenport Union-Free School District, will receive Long Island University's "Teacher of the Year" award. Greg Galdi of Cold Spring Harbor, a 1976 graduate who owns Long Island's largest computer systems company, will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Mary North of Sag Harbor will be honored as class valedictorian.

Southampton College is one of the six campuses of Long Island University, which in the last decade has become one of the nation's ten largest private educational institutions.