MassBay Community College Associate Director of Public Relations Liz Cooper will run the 127th Boston Marathon on April 17 with a goal of raising $5,000 for MassBay’s general student scholarship fund. The MassBay General Scholarship provides critical funds to students who need assistance paying for tuition, textbooks and emergency costs that may arise during the semester.

Cooper is familiar with the Boston Athletic Association’s (BAA’s) famous event. Having participated in almost every aspect of previous Boston Marathons—from cheering on her dad when he ran the Marathon eight times, to volunteering with the BAA at the finish line, to walking the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk from Wellesley to Boston, to covering the Marathon as a member of the media.

“I have always been inspired to run Boston, admiring the unwavering determination of runners from all walks of life, and the unmatched collaborative athletic spirit that brings people from around the globe to race or cheer on runners in this world-class event,” said Cooper. “As a seven-year employee of MassBay, I have witnessed this same type of determination and spirit in our students. Our students are industrious, dedicated individuals who often juggle full-time jobs along with their college studies. Some students are single parents supporting their children or are caretakers for their parents and grandparents, others are struggling to make ends meet and are looking for a supportive stepping-stone. This scholarship will help alleviate some of the financial pressures they face.”

According to Cooper, some of the MassBay alumni she had interacted with while they were at the college have donated to her run.

Cooper has worked in MassBay’s Office of Marketing and Communications since 2015. The mother of three is incredibly excited to run her first Boston Marathon and “can’t wait to see my family, friends and MassBay colleagues along the course.”

“My motivation really comes from my mom, a first-generation, community college graduate,” she said. “I saw how hard she worked to earn her degree when I was young. Her success story inspires me to help MassBay students reach their own academic and career goals by sharing their stories with the media, showcasing their amazing stories to elicit recognition, attention, and public support. I’m truly honored to be able to run Boston on their behalf.”