April 23, 2025

Kate Flannery and Leslie David Baker visit Lafayette as the 2025 Senior Speakers

The Office's Meredith and Stanley offered advice, and the key to not breaking character when acting opposite Steve Carell

Actor Leslie David Baker gestures to the audience as he talks at Senior Speaker, with actress Kate Flannery on stage alongside him — Lafayette's Senior Speaker series featured actors Kate Flannery and Leslie David Baker, known for their roles on "The Office." (Photos | Douglas Kilpatrick)

Two members of LAF introduce the Senior Speaker event

Actors Kate Flannery and Leslie David Baker come on stage with Baker waving and Flannery taking a photo of the audience as Kathleen Parrish looks on

Actor Kate Flannery laughs on stage during Senior Speaker.

Two members of LAF sit behind a table before the 2025 Senior Speaker event

A packed house in Colton Chapel awaits the 2025 Senior speakers

Kate Flannery and Leslie David Baker laugh together as they hold microphones on stage in Colton Chapel

Members of LAF pose together before the 2025 Senior Speaker event

Actors Kate Flannery and Leslie David Baker are pictured on stage in Colton Chapel with Kathleen Parrish

A group of 8 LAF members pose together in Colton Chapel before Senior Speaker.

By Abby Miles ’25

Beloved actors from The Office, Kate Flannery and Leslie David Baker visited campus April 16 as the 2025 Senior Speakers. The two played Meredith and Stanley for nine seasons of the show, which aired from 2005 to 2013. The show gained even more popularity after the final episode aired. David Baker credits the success to the show’s creativity, noting, “There was something unique about it. It wasn’t cookie-cutter; it hadn’t been done before.”

Lafayette Activities Forum (LAF) organized this event, supported by the Class of 1963 Guest Speaker Fund.

“Each year LAF members select a speaker in hopes of reaching a broad audience of students,” says Lily Snyder ’25, vice president of LAF. “Choosing this year’s speakers we hoped students would be excited to get to learn more about the people who play some of their favorite characters on TV.”

Harriet Albright ’25, from LAF, notes the excitement surrounding the conversation this year. “This event is a great way for the student body to come together and hear a perspective from outside of our campus community,” Albright says.

This year, Flannery and David Baker spoke with English lecturer Kathleen Parrish about their time at The Office, insights into the entertainment industry, and their life experiences.

Both actors talked about memorable moments from the show. David Baker spoke fondly of memories working with the great improv actor Steve Carell. “The trick is to never look him in the eye,” he says, as he would try not to break character in funny moments throughout the show.

Flannery talked about doing her own stunts, including getting hit by Michael Scott’s car in one episode. “They pushed me, and I just rolled, hit the glass, and rolled right off,” Flannery says, describing the scene as a fond and funny memory.

David Baker shared his work in education, public health, and city government before moving to LA to pursue a successful acting career. Both actors shared fond memories of the show and the closeness between all the cast and crew that extends to this day.

Flannery offered a piece of advice to the graduating seniors in the audience. As someone who discovered bigger success later in life, Flannery says: “Any of your failures are just really opportunities to step up your game or pick another road.”