Every Marathon Mile for Baruch Students

Every Marathon Mile for Baruch Students

November 5, 2025

Two proud Baruch College alumni took on the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon on November 2-running not just for the finish line, but on behalf of current Bearcats.

Karina Chiqui ('22) and Gzim Lajqi ('16) collectively raised nearly $8,000 in support of the Baruch College Fund (BCF), which helps provide scholarships, enhance student resources, and expand pathways to success for thousands of Baruch students.

Chiqui crossed the finish line in Central Park in 4:45:07, while Lajqi completed the 26.2-mile course in 3:56:18. Their entries in the world's largest marathon-approximately 60,000 runners-were guaranteed through the BCF's designation as an official Charity Partner with the New York Road Runners, one of the 600 nonprofits participating in the event.

Paying it Forward

A first-generation student, Karina Chiqui earned a BBA in Marketing Management from the Zicklin School of Business and was part of Macaulay Honors College at Baruch College.

On campus, Chiqui was active with the Undergraduate Student Government, Ecuadorian Club, Women's Cross Country, TEAM Baruch, STARR Technology Leadership Development Program, and Macaulay Justice and Equity Honors Network.

Today, she serves on the BCF board as a graduate trustee and spearheads the College's Giving Tuesday fundraising efforts. Chiqui currently works at Google as an associate product marketing manager leading initiatives and strategies on Google Nest Energy. Her expertise lies in strategic brand management, cross-functional leadership, and leveraging consumer insights for market analysis.

Gzim Lajqi graduated with a degree in Business Communications from the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences.

He credits Baruch with shaping both his personal and professional journeys by helping to open many doors to opportunity. Since 2019, Lajqi has been a senior project manager at Stellar Management, a NYC-based real estate investment and management firm.

"Running for Baruch is my way of giving back and paying it forward," Lajqi says. "Every mile is a step toward supporting the next generation of students."

Support the BCF

The BCF raises funds to help advance the mission of Baruch College, which is to provide a place of opportunity and exploration where students, faculty, and staff transform their futures, their professions, and their communities.

Contributions to the BCF are ongoing and support Baruch's ability to provide a high-caliber education and open the door to the world for students who might otherwise be denied that opportunity. Gifts help support critical areas of urgent need, including financial aid, emergency grants, technology assistance, career services and faculty support.

Learn about the BCF

Support Baruch College

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