Campus Duo: Chris Walker & Kay Beckermann

Meet Chris Walker and Kay Beckermann, two professors in the School of Communication & Journalism. From the outside, these two appear to be polite colleagues, well, except for the occasional “burn” or teasing from one to the other… and the joke-like bickering that can be heard from outside the MacLean 261 offices.

Really, from the outside, these two look like anything but polite colleagues, but it turns out, their friendship is far from.

Before Chris and Kay found themselves as office buddies at MSUM, they met at NDSU. Again, their offices were next to each other, and when Chris left, Kay took over his old office. When the two eventually ended up at MSUM, they swapped offices yet again, and now are neighbors. In Kay’s words, “a very long story of him saying I take his offices every time.”

Looking back, the two never imagined that they’d end up working closely, let alone be as good of friends as they are. They both agree that they work very well together, and that has helped them grow in their friendship, even if that friendship is often shown through sarcasm. “Kay, she tolerates me, and I find her very endearing,” Chris said.

Kay says it’s been nice to support one another at work, even when she hears joking comments coming from across the hall. “Some people you just know you’ll work well with… other people if you shared this space, they’d probably drive you up the wall, we’re just a good fit.”

First impression of each other?

Kay: I just remember thinking that you were a little bit strange and I kind of liked that. When we were at NDSU, with our offices next to each other, I always knew that a conversation with you would be interesting.
Chris: Would you care to elaborate on that?
Kay: On the strangeness? You know you’re strange Chris, I don’t need to elaborate on that!

What makes the other one laugh?

Kay: Oh, I don’t know.
Chris: I don’t know either… it doesn’t take much. We’re both easy to amuse, we’re both people-people, we both enjoy levity, laughing, joking, but yet we both have things that we feel very deeply and strongly about.
Kay: Chris’s mom is 95 and she calls him a lot, and so he’ll be in his office talking to his mom and I’ll pop in and say, ‘Can Chris come and play?’
Chris: Which my mom absolutely loves.
Turns out, Kay’s mom is a student at MSUM and has found a friendship with Chris, as well. In fact, they recently made it Facebook official.

One thing you’ll never agree on?

Kay: Winter. You like winter, I could really do without it.
Chris: Yeah, I love the cold.
That earned a disapproving look from Kay.

What would you say to the other if they were having a bad day?

Chris: I’m so sarcastic, and I joke and tease so much, if Kay were having a really bad day I have a feeling I’d go all funeral director and just be super serious—
Kay: (interrupting) I would hate that, I would rather you be sarcastic.
Chris: (paused) Huh, well suck it up, tomorrow is going to be worse.
And that one earned a laugh from Kay.

Whether Kay is telling Chris that he reminds her of Mr. Edwards from Little House on the Prairie, or Chris yelling “Unlike Beckerman over there!” randomly, and without context for Kay, strangers might be confused at the duo’s relationship. But in reality, Chris and Kay bring heartfelt laughs to not only their little hallway but to all who encounter them at MSUM.

Chris: This may be the most serious thing I say, but when I come in and come around the corner and see that the door is open to our little hallway, I know Kay’s in. [I get a] little dopamine burst.
Kay: Yay, we can play!

Thank you to this MSUM duo for bringing their skill and laughs to the community!