Through Music, Coppola Makes His Mark at Marist

Michael Coppola '20, pictured here during his sophomore year at Marist. Photo Courtesy of Michael Coppola, Credit: Carlo de Jesus

Marist College is scattered with familiar faces – faculty who have been here for decades, siblings and family members spread throughout campus, and alumni who discovered their profession from their time as a Red Fox. In the latter category is where you’ll find Michael Coppola ‘20, music facilities operations manager and adjunct professor at Marist College.

A commuter student while at Marist, Coppola couldn’t capture the moments with college peers that come from dormitory living. He was a history major who enjoyed his classes but still found that all his free time was spent elsewhere – in the music program and its related ensembles, which he describes as his place of comfort and connection. To this day, he keeps in touch with friends he made back then.

“Everybody was just super welcoming all the time,” said Coppola.

As he obtained his Master’s degree, Marist contacted Coppola to fill a last-minute opening for an adjunct teaching position. Fast forward to the present, and he is back on campus in a different role – as a professor teaching the course “Music Cultures of The World.” Through his teaching, Coppola combines knowledge from both inside and outside the classroom, including that of past professors and the history department.

“I was very fortunate to have a community rally behind me,” said Coppola. 

When Coppola was a student, it was harder to appreciate the efforts of the administration in providing the best possible experience for the student body. But with a new perspective on the real meaning of Marist, there is always a reason to return to his Red Fox Family. 

“The thing that has kept me at Marist is I believe in the music program, I believe in the faculty, and I believe in the student population,” said Coppola. “I know they are doing great things, and I want to be here to see through this part of the chapter.”