Feature: Kermit the Frog Enlivens Homecoming

            Disney’s superstar frog helps MSU stage one of the most successful Homecoming weekends in recent memory.

            You might say that this year’s Homecoming celebration at MSU took a huge leap forward—a frog’s leap.

            Serving as Grand Marshal of the Homecoming Parade, Kermit the Frog, an international star of the highest magnitude, brought smiles to the faces of everyone ranging from President Lou Ann K. Simon to all the youngsters who gathered along Grand River Avenue to catch a glimpse. 

            And Kermit obliged.  He yakked and he emoted along the route, delighting fans young and young-at-heart.  Puppeteer Steve Whitmire, who took over as Kermit’s voice after creator Jim Henson passed in 1990, brought tremendous energy to the role.

            Kermit was a ubiquitous luminary around town.  On Thursday, he received an Honorary Alumni Award at the MSU Alumni Association’s Grand Awards Gala in Kellogg Center and posed for photos with VIPs and students.  On Friday, he read to Lansing schoolchildren alongside President Simon and a representative of Lansing schools.  Kermit’s animated reading of Judith Moffatt’s Who Stole The Cookies absolutely delighted the elementary school students.  Late afternoon Friday, Kermit coasted down the parade in a white convertible as record crowds gathered along the route, some hoping to sneak an autograph from the amphibian.  On Saturday, Kermit appeared at the MSUAA’s Green and White Brunch and engaged in repartee with President Simon.  

            The choice of Kermit as this year’s Grand Marshal was a major coup by the MSU Alumni Association.  Bill Beekman, acting executive director of the MSUAA, shepherded the process, which required the surmounting of many logistical and legal hurdles.  Greg Hauser, president of the Greater New York Alumni Club and a member of the MSUAA’s National Alumni Board, and Paul Labell, general sales manager for Mitsui Foods, helped the MSUAA establish a connection with the Walt Disney Co., owner of the Muppet characters. 

            “When you consider the impact he had, the enormous publicity generated, and most importantly, the smiles that were produced within the MSU community, yes, Kermit was definitely the right choice,” says Beekman, after several wall-to-wall days during which he even had to build an impromptu stage for Kermit’s book reading at Hill Career Academy in Lansing.

            President Simon was pleased that Kermit was able to put a spotlight on MSU values.  “He helps us understand our values and not just focus on what happens at the Homecoming game,” she noted to the State News. 

            Throughout his visit, Kermit’s wit and humor emerged, delighting all those within earshot.  On receiving his Honorary Alumni award, Kermit cracked that it was a great way to avoid having to pay tuition to get a degree.  Then, during the Green and White Brunch, he imagined in mock horror how he might now be swamped by mail from the MSU alumni and development folks. 

            Kermit made quite an impact at the football game.  First, he gave many media interviews.  Before kickoff, he appeared on the big scoreboard screen and gave an enthusiastic introduction of Sparty as the mascot entered the stadium from the north tunnel.  During the game, again via the giant scoreboard screen, he led the fans in a rousing “Go Green, Go White” cheer. 

Alas, Kermit’s energy failed to infuse the football team, which was upset 23-20 by Illinois.  Disappointed fans could find solace in Kermit’s signature tune, “It’s not easy being green.”

            At the end of the day, however, Kermit expressed a sentiment that everyone attending the MSU Alumni Association’s activities this Homecoming week also shared. “I like being green,” declares Kermit.  “At MSU, it’s not only easy being green.  It’s essential.”

            To that, we can only reply, Croak Green!