ICMS Graduates Celebrate Achievements and New Beginnings

Years of hard work, late-night assessments and determination came down to one unforgettable moment as the October 2026 ICMS graduates crossed the graduation stage and took a step closer to their future careers. 

The October Graduation Ceremonies brought together undergraduate and postgraduate graduates, proud families, friends and faculty at the Cardinal Cerretti Chapel on the Northern Beaches Campus, marking the culmination of their studies and the beginning of new professional journeys. 

With graduates representing 35 countries, the celebrations reflected the international spirit of the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS), which is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. 

Alumni Encourage Graduates to Embrace Opportunities

Two ICMS alumni returned to campus as guest speakers, sharing their career experiences and advice with the October graduates. 

Morning guest speaker Thomas Bramley, who graduated with an ICMS Bachelor of Business Management (Accounting), now known as the Bachelor of Business (Accounting), reflected on the five years since his own graduation. 

After beginning his career at PwC and completing his Chartered Accountancy qualification, Thomas joined Xero as a Solutions Consultant. He is now preparing to relocate to New York with the company. 

He encouraged graduates to value small, consistent efforts, maintain the connections they had made at ICMS and pursue opportunities even when the future feels uncertain. 

“Doubt doesn’t mean that you’re off course. It usually means you’re stretching towards something new,” he said. 

Afternoon guest speaker Egidio Antonicoli, who completed a Bachelor of Business and Master of International Business at ICMS, spoke about finding his career direction through different experiences. 

Originally from Belgium, Egidio first came to ICMS on exchange before returning to Australia.

After working in technology and retail, he found his passion in hospitality and now works as Food and Beverage Operations Manager at the Manly Skiff Club. 

Drawing on his experience of learning to surf, he encouraged graduates to remain open to opportunities and the possibility of changing direction. 

“You can’t schedule the right wave, but you can paddle. You can stay ready, and you can commit when it comes,” he said. 

Developing a Professional Identity

ICMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), Professor Heidi Le Sueur, addressed both ceremonies, encouraging graduates to consider the professionals they want to become. 

She explained that professional identity continues to develop through workplace experiences, decisions, challenges and reflection. 

“Because professional identity is shaped not by everything being perfect, but by what we do when it isn’t,” she said. 

Professor Le Sueur encouraged graduates to continue learning and adapting as they encounter new professional environments and opportunities. 

ICMS Chairman and Founder Darryl Courtney-O’Connor AM also congratulated graduates, recognising the perseverance and commitment behind their achievements. 

He encouraged them to carry the College’s values of vision, integrity and purpose into their careers, and to contribute to positive workplace cultures built on strong relationships and shared values. 

Student Speakers Celebrate Their ICMS Experience

Bachelor of Event Management graduate Sophia Bignold represented the undergraduate graduating class, reflecting on the friendships and unexpected opportunities that shaped her ICMS experience. 

During her studies, Sophia became actively involved in campus life, serving as a Student Ambassador and Student Representative Council President. 

“We don’t need to have our entire lives planned just because we’ve reached this milestone,” she told fellow graduates. 

Sophia was also presented with the October 2026 Val McMorran Award, recognising her leadership and contribution to the ICMS student community. 

Established in memory of Val McMorran, who supported ICMS students for 23 years, the award recognises students who demonstrate a positive attitude, support others and contribute to the overall student experience. 

At the afternoon ceremony, Master of Event Management graduate Maya Zeissler spoke about how her initial study abroad experience in 2022 led her to return to ICMS for postgraduate study. 

During her time at ICMS, Maya volunteered at Orientation Week, Open Day and graduation events. She now works with the ICMS European office in Darmstadt, Germany. 

Reflecting on the relationships she had built, Maya said: 

“ICMS is more than just a college to me. I’ve met so many people here who now feel like family.” 

Her journey reflected the lasting connections and opportunities that can develop through international study. 

Recognising a Decade of Service

The afternoon ceremony also included a special acknowledgement of Dr Stuart Wiggins, who is stepping back from his role as ICMS Registrar after serving from 2016 to 2026. 

Dr Wiggins was thanked for his decade of dedicated leadership and his contribution to academic governance and institutional operations. 

Welcoming the Newest ICMS Alumni

As the ceremonies concluded, graduates moved their tassels from right to left, formally marking their graduation and welcoming them into the ICMS Global Alumni Network of more than 10,000 graduates. 

The day was also an opportunity to recognise the families, friends, lecturers and staff who had supported students throughout their studies. 

For the October 2026 graduates, the ceremonies marked both the completion of their qualifications and the beginning of the next stage of their personal and professional journeys. 

Congratulations to all October 2026 graduates.