The ICMS Ceremonial Mace
In 2022 ICMS introduced the ICMS Ceremonial Mace to formal proceedings for the first time, marking a significant stage in the College’s maturity as a higher education institution.
Blessing by the Chaplain of ICMS
“Almighty God of truth and goodness, we give thanks for the International College of Management, Sydney.
We give thanks for the foundation of this campus in 1889 and it’s legacy of equipping men and women for service in the world.
We give thanks for the founding of ICMS and the vision of its Founder. For the staff and students who have gone before. May they be blessed as they have spread throughout the world as ambassadors of this college, and may they be strengthened in their minds and hearts to pursue what you inspire.
We ask for wisdom and insight for the leadership of ICMS, the faculty and staff. May you enlighten their vision and guide their mission.”
Tim Giovanelli
Why is the ICMS Ceremonial Mace important?
It is believed that the current traditions of a ceremonial mace are founded in medieval England where a mace was employed in the protection of dignitaries at formal events and ceremonies. Since that time, maces have become common in formal proceedings of governments and also within the higher education sector globally.
Now an essential part of official ceremonies in education institutions around the world, a ceremonial mace signifies the strength and authority of an institution in higher education and its ability to confer awards on its graduates.
The ICMS Mace is a physical representation of who we are at ICMS. It has a spiritual or ‘Whakapapa’ connotation. Whakapapa is a Māori word that connotes legacy and the connectivity between our past, present and future in relation to all other living things. Whakapapa at ICMS is central to our institution, reminding us of where we have come from, what we are today, and what we may be in the future. This is represented visually by the collars around the mace’s staff which mark important milestones during the life of the College.
At the April 2022 Graduation Ceremony, ICMS Founder and Chairman Darryl Courtney O’Connor explained to graduands: “After today, you belong to the ICMS Whakapapa. We wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for those who have journeyed before us with ICMS. We are who we are at ICMS in the present, and it’s our obligation to pass on ICMS in a better place while we are here.”
As an Australian institution, ICMS is cognisant of the historical significance of the mace in the local environment; that is, in relation to the traditional owners of the land, and the former seminary whose Castle’ campus ICMS staff and students now call home. The mace has been designed with this in mind and protocols have been developed to honour those traditions, but also reflect the ICMS’s unique character and history at the same time.
The Design of the ICMS Mace
The design of the ICMS Mace captures the culture and history of both the college and its founding family. It is designed in such a way that its ongoing historical milestones can be captured progressively into the future.
- Began with Higher Education status in 2006.
- Design and development began in 2019.
- Heraldic design by Richard d’Apice – President of the Australian Heraldry Society.
- Staff/Mace design, development and construction by George H Lilley Regalia.
Details of the design of the ICMS Ceremonial Mace
The Crown
The Mace’s crown is a metallic model of the ICMS Northern Beaches Campus – known around the world by our alumni, and here by ourselves and the entire community.
The Head
The Collar
The Staff
Watch the History of the ICMS Ceremonial Mace
ICMS Ceremonial Mace Protocol
When will the Ceremonial Mace be present?
ICMS, in consideration of the historic precedents and in setting its own protocols for the future, has chosen to include the presence of the Mace at the following occasions:
- Formal orientation welcome ceremonies (visitation rights only)
- Meetings of Joint BOD Meeting and Board of Directors
- Scholarship ceremonies
- Graduation ceremonies
- Annual Manly Community Public Ceremonial Walk
Who can carry the Mace at formal occasions/ceremonies?
How is ceremonial Mace-bearer selected?
What are other examples of ceremonial protocol?
What will the Mace-bearer wear?