Student. Father. Volunteer.
These are all titles that Ryan Corcoran, a 2020 alumnus of NBCC’s Business Administration program, wears proudly. Now he has a new title to add to the collection – Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Gold Leadership Excellence Award recipient.
Corcoran was recognized by CICan for his leadership both on and off the Miramichi Campus. An active volunteer, he gave his time and energy to projects ranging from helping community members complete their tax returns to the production of PPE for front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During his time at NBCC, Ryan successfully balanced the demands of academics and family life and still found time to give back to his community,” said Mary Butler, President and CEO of NBCC. “We’re so proud that his tremendous capacity for community leadership has been recognized at the national level.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic sidelined Corcoran’s practicum at a Miramichi manufacturing company in March 2020, he didn’t give up. Instead, he found a way to get practical experience with the company and help his community. He got involved with a project led by an NBCC instructor to manufacture components of non-medical face shields for front-line service workers.
“I’m not the type of person to sit around and do nothing,” he said. “I like to help, however I can, and I’m always looking for stuff to do.”
Since graduating from NBCC, Corcoran has continued his studies through an articulation agreement between NBCC and Mount Saint Vincent University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration. While his time at NBCC has come to an end, his community leadership continues.
“It’s always great to help people out and step up wherever you can,” he said. “I try to do everything so my kids will be proud. That’s what I use as my motivator.”
The CICan Awards of Excellence recognize and promote excellence within Canadian colleges, institutes, cégeps, university colleges and polytechnics. The Awards showcase the extraordinary contribution of individuals to their colleges and highlight the role of our institutions in social, cultural and economic development. Canada’s extensive network of colleges and institutes serves 1.5 million learners from over 3,000 urban, rural, and remote communities all over the country.
