Maryland Honors Jim Henson and His Muppets

[Click here to view photos from the dedication.]

It may be just a simple bronze statue in a garden. But the newly dedicated sculpture to honor Maryland alumnus Jim Henson and his Muppets means so much more to this university, its students and alumni. In fact, it was our alumni—from the classes of 1994, 1998 and 1999 who provided funds for the project as their gift to Maryland. The sculpture, by renowned sculptor Jay Hall Carpenter, shows Henson and his most famous—and beloved—character, Kermit The Frog sitting on a bench, speaking together about their next project. It is the first sculpture to honor an alumnus on the Maryland campus. Landscape architect Philip Cho designed the memorial garden.

A crowd of some 400 attended the September 24 dedication on the grounds of the Stamp Student Union on campus. Willard Scott, a long-time Henson friend, was the master of ceremonies. The sky was a bright blue but there was a decidedly green tint to the entire occasion - a giant Kermit balloon was overhead, watching the entire event unfold.

Colours, a singing group from Henson's Northwestern High School provided entertainment prior to the program. University President Dan Mote Jr., class representatives, SGA President Tim Daley and Jane Henson all spoke. Members of the Henson family, Dr. Mote, sculptor Jay Hall Carpenter and Scott all helped unveil the sculpture. Afterwards, everyone celebrated Jim Henson's birthday with green cupcakes. In his closing remarks, Scott said he thought Jim Henson "would have loved" the sculpture. "He is here. I'm sure his presence is here."