I saw the Guess the Year contest in the Spring issue of College Park magazine for when Kermit and Elmo gave the commencement address. It was the December commencement of 1996. This was the year I graduated, and I remember their speech well. They were joined by an ABC News correspondent whose name I cannot remember--perhaps because Elmo and Kermit stole the show.
Jennifer Ehrhardt Shaffer, '96
College Park, Md.

Editor's note: That ABC News journalist was Michael Guillen, science correspondent for "Good Morning America" and "Nightline."

Kermit and Elmo spoke at the December 1996 commencement. It was the end of my first semester of my sophomore year, and one of my roommates was graduating. It was definitely the best commencement speech I've seen.
Bill Coyle, '00
Richmond, Va.

The date was Dec. 16, 1996. When I saw the muppets on stage I remember thinking, "What am I going to tell people about who spoke at my graduation?" I thought, "Surely, I can't tell them it was Kermit and Elmo!" I regretted thinking that as later on I found that they actually had a lot to say about where we are going in life and what we should expect. Additionally, I thought it was a fitting tribute to Jim Henson, an alumnus of the university.
Gregory Casamento, '96
Laurel, Md.

The answer to the Guess the Year contest is December 1996. I remember quite well Elmo and Kermit, as that was my graduation. Ironically enough, I don't remember who the other speakers were nor what they said, but I do remember Elmo and Kermit. The even funnier part is Elmo, Kermit and the Sesame Street characters were the theme at my pre-school graduation some 20 years before. I guess you can say I came full circle.
Dawn French, '96
College Park, Md.

Kermit was at the University of Maryland commencement in December 1996. Kermit and all of Jim Henson's muppets hold a special place in my heart because of the wonderful memory of Jim Henson being awarded the Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts during my commencement program on May 19, 1978.
Mary Ellen Beck-Branham, '78
Baltimore, Md.

Elmo and Kermit the Frog were the guest speakers along with Michael Guillen of ABC News at the winter commencement. I was a volunteer usher.
Paula Mandelman
College Park, Md.

Editor's Note: Kermit and Elmo were a big hit at the 1996 Winter commencement, prompting 13 College Park readers to write in with their memories of the event. Dawn French, a graduate from that ceremony, is the winner of a denim shirt with the Terrapin logo for her correct answer, which was drawn randomly from a pool of all the correct answers.