Talking with … Marlo Coates

Faculty | May 20, 2016 | Gabelli School of Business

Marlo Coates loves broccoli and barbecues.

If you need help on the fifth floor of Martino Hall, Marlo Coates will be the one to assist. Read on to see exactly how she goes about her workday.

Q. Describe in your own words what your job is at the Gabelli School of Business.

A. I’m a faculty secretary. I basically am the manager of the fifth floor. If there are any problems, I am the one who sees to them. I see to the supplies, the copiers, getting things fixed, basically whatever needs to be taken care of. I do work for the faculty. If they need something typed or mailed, I’m the one to take care of it. I used to be the only one, but now we have two other secretaries who work for different departments here.

I’ve been working here for 26 years. I love Fordham; it’s like my family. I grew up here. And I’m so fortunate that my son goes to school here. He’s in the theater department, and he really loves it.

Q. What is your favorite part of your job?

A. Helping people. I have a long commute, so I leave early to make sure I get here early. I was here at 7:30 this morning.

I’m always so glad to help. It scares me sometimes because I get told I’m the nicest person they’ve ever met, and it really surprises me. A student just gave me beautiful flowers. She said thank you for being so nice and always being there for her. But I was surprised, because I just try to help her out like I would help anyone else.

Q. What do you think stands out with the Gabelli School faculty?

A. We are like family. I’ve been here so long, and everyone is so caring. I recently lost my brother, and I came back and had a desk full of sympathy cards and emails, and one professor even sent me flowers.

Q. What did you do before you came to Fordham?

A. I went to business school. After high school, I went to trade school instead of college, and I learned business. When we graduated, my school had a job fair, and Fordham was there. I had my résumé, and the woman at the job fair liked me, so I got chosen and have been working at Fordham ever since.

Q. What do you do in your time outside of work?

A. I love to watch movies. We just bought a home in 2011, so now we give a lot of barbecues with a lot of family. Last year I had a lot of problems with my back, so I tried to cut down a bit. I still do a lot of barbecues, but now they are just more simple.

Lightning Round

Q. What is your favorite type of food?

A. Broccoli.

Q. What is your favorite television show?

A. Grey’s Anatomy. My second favorite is 24.

Q. What famous person would you like to meet one day?

A. Magic Johnson. I’ve loved him since I was in sixth grade. My family used to tease me about it. Sometimes they still do.

Q. What is your favorite type of music?

A. I love all music. I listen more to R&B and soft rock; I love those two the most, but I could get into anything. That’s the one thing I need. I would go crazy if I didn’t have music.

Q. What’s your favorite vacation spot?

A. Virginia Beach in Florida, and Orlando.