What is "I am MDC Day"?

Описание: I’m Ryan Adams-Barton, better known as Professor A-B. And it’s an honor and a privilege to speak to you about I am MDC day as the Homestead campus I am MDC ambassador. 
 
What is I AM MDC Day? 
 
It’s a celebration. 
I AM MDC Day is held each year ‪on September 6‬ to commemorate Miami Dade College opening its door to the American Dream on Sept. 6. 1960. It is considered by many as Miami Dade Colleges Birthday.  
 
It’s also an opportunity.  
Not only to celebrate what we have accomplished with pride, but also increase awareness of the College’s economic and cultural impact on South Florida, and raise essential private funds for the College through contributions. 
 
Aside from the question of “What is I AM MDC Day?” you may have some other questions that I want to answer…  
 
Why do we need to contribute? 

While tuition remains stable and accessible for students, state support continues to decline. In the last 10 years, state funding to MDC has dropped by nearly $15 million dollars. 
The funding from your contribution helps close the gap and provides opportunity for our students, and when given an opportunity, MDC students succeed. 
•          MDC is #1 among Florida state colleges for improving economic mobility among students. 
•          96% A.S. degree grads are employed within 1 year of graduation 
•          80% A.A degree grads transfer to a public, 4-year institution in Florida 
 
Where do our contributions go? 

This inaugural 24-hour day of giving and pride benefits students and the programs that support them. 
All funds raised through I AM MDC Day will support student scholarships and the programs that support students. 
 
How do I contribute? 

Of course, it is your financial gift that would help make a difference when it comes to money raised for our students. But there are other ways to contribute in addition to whatever you can afford to donate. And you can do that by going to ‪www.mdc.edu/iammdc‬. 

But regardless of what you are able to gift financially, join with me in celebrating our institution with pride and enthusiasm by becoming a “Finnbassador”! 

That’s right, a finnbassador! Yes it’s a thing, and no I didn’t make it up! 

Whether you're faculty, staff, alumni or a member of the local community, many of you already are finnbassadors. A finnbassador is someone who proudly supports MDC with school spirit. 
This spirit is the spirit of family and belonging and inclusion where we all feel a part of something together, something we help keep strong, and do all we can to strengthen it together. That is the power of us, and that is how we continue to pave our legacy. 

Some simple ways to celebrate that school spirit by being a finnbassador: 
1. Wear blue and post your pictures and videos on social media using the hashtag #IAMMDC 
2. Once again you can make a financial contribution between now and “I am MDC day” ‪on Sept. 6th‬ by going to ‪www.mdc.edu/iammdc‬.  

You know I heard a word recently that said “giving is a privilege”. That frame of reference caused me to think about my ability to give back. I now see it as an opportunity of being fortunate enough to be able to help others, rather than as an obligation.  

So whether it's $1 or $100, if you’re fortunate enough to be able to contribute anything at all, consider helping our students by making a gift in celebration of I am MDC day. 

Once again I'm Ryan Adams-Barton, Professor A-B, and I am MDC.
Go Sharks!