Miami, Sept. 16, 2022 – Miami Dade College (MDC) successfully raised more than $1.6 million during its 7th Annual I AM MDC Day held on Tuesday, Sept. 6. I AM MDC Day is an annual celebration whose mission is to raise funds for MDC scholarships, schools, and programs. The day is also an opportunity to show school pride and to build awareness about the College’s impact on the community. September 6 marks the day the College first opened its doors in 1960.
With the theme “Saving Dreams,” this year, I AM MDC Day expanded fundraising opportunities to the entire college community, allowing all schools to raise funds in support of their programs. I AM MDC Day was observed college-wide with different activities including a special recognition of college alumnus and Hispanic radio personality Javier Romero, as this year’s alumni ambassador in a special ceremony held at the Wolfson Campus and led by MDC President Madeline Pumariega.
Romero currently hosts of El Desayuno, a top-rated radio morning show on AMOR 107.5 FM and has more than 40 years of experience in radio. For 25 years he also co-hosted the legendary Sábado Gigante weekend variety show on Univision. Last October, the Miami native became the first Cuban American to be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.
This year’s I AM MDC DAY festivities also included a partnership with the Miami Marlins to host MDC Night during the Marlins vs. Mets game on Saturday, Sept. 10, at loanDepot Park.
MDC first opened its doors on September 6, 1960, amid desegregation and the influx of thousands of Cuban refugees. The first class only had 1,428 students, including seven Black students, making it the first integrated junior college in Florida. Today, MDC is one of the largest higher learning institutions in the United States and is a champion for diversity, resilience and educational excellence.
Recently launched scholarships at MDC include the Presidential Scholars Program, which offers high-performing graduating high school students in Miami-Dade County the opportunity to complete an associate degree at no cost, and the Rising Black Scholars Program, which provides Black students free tuition for up to two years, plus academic and co-curricular experiences to equip students with the knowledge, resources and skills for success.
I AM MDC Day is organized by the Miami Dade College Foundation, which raises essential private funds for student scholarships and programs. For more information visit, https://www.mdcfoundation.com/home
MDC Foundation Contact: Dr. Stephanie Zapata, Director of Communication and Digital Engagement 305-237-3240, szapata1@mdc.edu.