Celebrating Resilience: ICMS Scholarship Ceremony Honours Over 50 Students

More than 50 students were recognised at the ICMS Scholarship Ceremony on 14 April at the Northern Beaches Campus.

The event celebrated the college’s focus on diversity, community, and industry-focused education through its Professional Scholarship Program.

Students, faculty, corporate partners and industry partners came together to reflect on the impact of education, and how ICMS scholarships support resilient recipients in overcoming challenges to achieve their goals.

Stories of Strength and Determination

Fabiana Pereira, a former scholarship recipient and now ICMS Admissions Manager, opened the evening by sharing her journey from Brazil to Australia.

“I know it may sound cliché, but you can do anything. If you really need to restart, you can reinvent yourself and turn your goals into reality,” she said, inspiring the audience with her story of starting over in a new country.

Bjorn Kikkert from the Netherlands, a recipient of the ICMS International Scholarship, spoke about how the scholarship allowed him to balance work and studies while running an Alpha course on campus.

“It gave me new friends, new skills, and experiences I will bring to my own business one day,” he said.

Ethan Mupariwa, awarded the Wellington College – Courtney O’Connor Scholarship, shared his experience of moving to Australia from New Zealand.

“Receiving the scholarship was a turning point in my life. It connected me to a community that genuinely invests in its students,” he said.

Overcoming Challenges

Brady Watts, a recipient of the ICMS Professional Scholarship, spoke about navigating life with partial deafness.

“This scholarship reminded me that challenges do not define our limits. They can strengthen our ambition and drive,” he said, drawing parallels to a scene from Harry Potter where seeing his name on the wall symbolised the beginning of his legacy.

Rhani Bultitude, supported by the Country Education Foundation Scholarship, shared her journey of managing health challenges while pursuing her Bachelor of Business (Fashion and Global Brand Management).

“This scholarship didn’t just ease financial stress; it gave me stability, space, and strength,” she said, urging fellow students to believe in their potential.

A Global Celebration

The ceremony demonstrated ICMS’s dedication to creating a diverse and welcoming global community.

Students from more than 20 countries, including Peru, Germany, India, and Vietnam, were recognised for their achievements.

Renata Arriola from Mexico, a recipient of the ICMS Allianz Care International Scholarship, shared how the opportunity presented to her to study further has unlocked her potential.

“This scholarship has expanded my horizons and given me the chance to grow and contribute beyond borders,” she said.

She also spoke about the importance of women stepping into leadership roles and the work required to make a difference.

“I come from Mexico, where women are increasingly stepping into positions of leadership, decision making and influence,” she said.

Renata added that reaching these positions is only part of the challenge, highlighting the vital role of education in strengthening talent and purpose.

“I stand here not only as a student, but as a young woman that has made up her mind to make this opportunity count, to build bridges between cultures, to contribute with responsibility and to create a meaningful impact beyond borders,” she said.

A Night of Gratitude

The event also acknowledged the vital role of ICMS’s industry partners, whose contributions make these scholarships possible.

“Philanthropy and partnerships are the lifeblood of this program, expanding opportunities for all walks of students since inception over 15 years ago,” Ann Whitelock, Chair of ICMS Scholarships, said.

“Together, we are supporting access to uniquely career-focused higher education, shaping futures and changing lives.”

Wendy Mason, CEO of the Country Education Foundation of Australia, highlighted the life-changing impact of scholarships on regional students.

“This scholarship has a significant impact on the career prospects of regional students, particularly those who need to relocate to a metropolitan area to pursue their studies,” she said.

“Doors have been opened here that would not have been available in their home community.”

Josh Halling from Nova Entertainment, a long-time partner of ICMS, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of creativity and diversity in fostering talent.

“Creativity and diversity are genuinely two of the pillars that we hold in the highest of esteem at Nova Entertainment. Sitting in front of a panel of finalists, you see so much of it: creativity, diversity, and incredible hard work. It is a genuine honor to be a part of this program,” he said.

Josh also expressed excitement about the future, noting the potential of ICMS students. “We’ve met so many wonderful students through this partnership, and I’m looking forward to employing some of them in the years to come,” he added.

Laura Marning, Founder and Director of Mavel, the newest ICMS scholarship partner, shared her enthusiasm for joining the program.

“It’s kind of fitting that we are working with ICMS in this new partnership to deliver these wonderful scholarships to very deserving students,” she said.

“I’m very excited to announce the recipients, who were so impressive that I couldn’t choose just one, I had to choose two. This is testament to the calibre of students here at ICMS.”

Harry Jones of Manly Marlins Rugby Club reflected on the organisation’s 20-year partnership with ICMS and the opportunities it has created for young athletes.

“We’re very proud of the longstanding partnership we’ve built together over a number of years,” he said.

“The ICMS scholarship provides a fantastic opportunity to young Marlin players, helping them develop beyond the field in these outstanding facilities under the guidance of experienced staff in the heart of the Manly community.”

As a proud institution rooted in the Northern Beaches community, ICMS shares a deep connection with the Manly Marlins, further strengthening their shared commitment to supporting local talent.

Scholarship Recipients 2026

Disclaimer:
Student experiences, scholarship opportunities, and industry partnerships shared in this article reflect individual journeys. ICMS does not guarantee employment, specific career outcomes, or job placements during or after the completion of any program. All scholarships are subject to specific eligibility criteria, application processes, and availability. Partner organisations are correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.