My name is Ryan Adams-Barton, better known as Professor A-B.
I teach psychology at Miami Dade College's Homestead campus.
It’s an honor and a privilege to speak
to you today about I am MDC day
as the I AM MDC ambassador for Homestead campus.
First, for those who are asking,
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's considered by many as Miami Dade College's
Birthday.
It’s also an opportunity.
Not only to celebrate what we have accomplished
with pride, but to 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 as well.
First, 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 contributions helps close
the gap and provides opportunity for our students,
and we know when MDC students are 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 from Miami Dade College.
80% A.A. degree grads transfer to a public,
4-year institution in Florida
Next you may be thinking, 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 our students.
Lastly, 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 donate by going to ‪www.mdc.edu/iammdc‬.
You'll hear that website again in a moment.
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, no I don't get the credit for making 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 continue to do all we can to strengthen it together.
That is the power of us, and that is how we
continue to help pave the legacy of MDC
Some simple ways to celebrate that school
spirit by being a Finnbassador:
One, wear blue and post your pictures and videos
on social media using the hashtag #IAMMDC
on I AM MDC Day, which is September 6.
And second, you can make a donation
between now and I AM MDC day ‪on September 6
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 an obligation.
I encourage you to view it the same way.
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, my name is Ryan Adams-Barton, Professor
A-B, and I AM MDC.
Go Sharks!
