Paddy Quinn
Alumnus, NBCC
Communication Arts and Radio Broadcasting, 1996
“Almost every day I use something I learned while at NBCC,” Paddy Quinn shares.
In 1994, Paddy wasn’t sure what came next after high school. While many of his classmates were planning to attend university, he didn’t feel drawn to that path. He knew he wanted to do something meaningful, but he hadn’t yet found where he fit.
One of his teachers sensed he was feeling a little lost but also recognized his strengths and interests: a love of sports, community, and a natural talent for storytelling. He handed Paddy a brochure for NBCC’s Communication Arts and Radio Broadcasting program.
Paddy applied to the program and was accepted shortly after. When he arrived on NBCC’s Woodstock campus, he found a sense of direction he had been searching for. “The light bulb went on, things clicked in my brain when I got there, and I was like, ‘Oh, this might be my path forward.'”
At NBCC, Paddy felt like he had found his lane. The hands-on learning, industry placements, and experience operating the campus radio station gave Paddy the opportunity to build his strengths and gain new skills. His instructors encouraged him to pursue opportunities, and before he had graduated, he had secured a job in broadcasting.
Today, Paddy’s full-time role is with the federal government’s Payroll Centre in Miramichi. But for over 20 years, he has been known as the “Voice of Miramichi”, using his talents to bring people together at every opportunity. From emceeing festivals, supporting local sports and organizations to serving on City Council as Deputy Mayor, his involvement has taken many forms. And when a beloved tradition needed someone to step forward, Paddy did just that, taking on a leadership role in revitalizing “Canada’s Irish Festival on the Miramichi.”
Beneath it all is a deep love for Miramichi and New Brunswick that continues to drive him. He lives by a simple philosophy, “Give more than you take.” His contributions have earned acknowledgements throughout the region, including induction into the JMH Alumni Wall of Fame, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, designation as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Chatham Rotary Club, and receipt of the Canada 150 Community Leadership Award and Sesquicentennial Pin.
Now, as a 2026 NBCC Alumni Recognition Award recipient, Paddy is recognized for his dedication and contributions to the people and place he calls home. He hopes his story resonates with learners who may feel similar and offers a simple piece of advice: “Find your lane, find yourself, and work hard.”
NBCC’s Robertson Institute for Community Leadership proudly supports our communities through the Community Engagement Fund. Thanks to this initiative, a $250 donation has been made in Paddy’s honour to a non-profit organization of his choice, Miramichi Housing Solutions Inc. in Miramichi, NB.