ICMS Graduation Ceremony Celebrates Achievements of 122 Graduates

The International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) held its graduation ceremony on 27 March 2026, celebrating the achievements of its latest cohort of graduates. 

Graduation is a momentous occasion for the ICMS community. It’s an opportunity to recognise the hard work of students as they transition into the next phase of their professional journeys. 

The March ceremony featured a single morning session, recognising 122 undergraduate and postgraduate graduands as they marked the culmination of their studies and prepared to begin the next stage of their professional journeys. 

The Cardinal Cerretti Chapel and surrounding viewing areas at the ICMS Northern Beaches Campus were filled with family, friends and staff who gathered to celebrate the occasion. 

Welcome to Country

The event began with a Welcome to Country delivered by Uncle Michael West from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. 

Uncle Michael shared insights into Aboriginal culture, history, and the importance of lifelong learning, reminding graduates of the value of leadership and respect for all.  

“Being a good leader is not about you. It’s never about you. It’s about those you serve,” he said, encouraging graduates to embrace humility and service in their future endeavours. 

Keynote Address: Embracing Uncertainty

The keynote address was delivered by ICMS alumna Lina Caccamo, who has excelled in the field of sports management and strategy and is currently General Manager, Strategy and Innovation, at the Rugby League Players Association. 

Reflecting on her own journey since graduating from ICMS, Lina encouraged the audience to embrace uncertainty, nurture relationships, and seize unexpected opportunities.  

“Careers rarely follow a straight line; they zigzag,” she said.  

“The future belongs to the innovators, the ideators, and the people who ask ‘what if’ and go and do something about it.” 

Student Speaker: The Power of Friendships

Master of Event Management graduate Jessica Mantel represented the student body with an inspiring speech.  

She highlighted the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and the friendships formed during her time at ICMS.  

“The friendships you build here often become some of the most important relationships in your life if you nurture them,” she said. 

A Message of Growth and Becoming

Professor Heidi Le Sueur, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), offered a profound perspective on the significance of the day: 

“Graduation is often framed as a moment of completion, the point at which something is finished, achieved, and sealed.  

“But I would like to offer you another perspective. You are not leaving here as finished versions of yourself; you are leaving as people capable of becoming.” 

She also emphasised the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning, adding, “What matters most is the courage to remain unfinished, to grow beyond what you know, and to begin again if needed.” 

Val McMorran Award

The prestigious Val McMorran Award was presented to Jiangbing (JB) Li, recognising his outstanding contributions and achievements during his time at ICMS.  

JB’s journey reveals the values of vision, integrity, and purpose that the institution upholds. 

A Global Celebration

The ceremony also included a traditional ICMS flag procession, showcasing the diversity of the graduating class, which represented 28 countries.  

The national anthem, performed by Andrew Moran, added a touch of grandeur to the proceedings.  

In a heartwarming moment, attendees were invited to stand and cheer for those joining the ceremony online, ensuring that everyone felt included in the celebration. 

Looking Ahead

As the graduates step into their next chapter, they take with them the skills, knowledge, and connections built at ICMS. 

With bright futures ahead, the Class of March 2026 is ready to make their mark. 

Congratulations to all!