The occasion recognised the hard work, determination and success of 306 graduates, with 167 students graduating during the morning ceremony and 139 students graduating during the afternoon ceremony. Family members, friends, academics and supporters gathered to celebrate this significant milestone as graduates marked the culmination of years of study, commitment and perseverance.

The celebrations commenced with a congratulatory message from Founder and Managing Director of the Sarina Russo Group (SRG), Dr Sarina Russo AM. The ceremony also featured an Acknowledgement of Country, delivered by Violet Geesu, SRG’s National Indigenous Services Manager, recognising the Traditional Custodians of the land and paying respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

The graduation ceremony brought together graduates from across the JCU network, including students from JCU Brisbane and other JCU campuses. Together, they celebrated the successful completion of their studies and the shared achievement of reaching this important milestone. Graduates represented 34 countries from around the world, reflecting JCU's global community and international reach.

A highlight of the day was the keynote address by renowned Australian journalist and television presenter Mr Michael Rowland, who attended as the Occasional Speaker. Drawing on his distinguished career and personal experiences, Mr Rowland encouraged graduates to embrace opportunities, remain resilient in the face of challenges, and view setbacks as valuable opportunities for learning and growth. His inspiring message resonated strongly with graduates as they prepared to embark on the next stage of their personal and professional journeys.

The success of the graduating cohort was supported by JCU Academics, whose dedication, guidance and mentorship have played an important role in helping students achieve their goals. Their presence at the ceremony reflected the university's ongoing commitment to delivering a supportive and high-quality learning experience. Graduation represents far more than the completion of a degree. It is a celebration of perseverance, ambition and the transformative power of education. For many graduates, the day marked the beginning of exciting new careers, further studies and opportunities to make meaningful contributions to their professions, communities and industries.

As the newest members of the global JCU alumni network, the Class of 2026 leaves equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. The ceremony served as a reminder that learning extends beyond the classroom and that the achievements celebrated on graduation day are just the beginning of future success.

Congratulations to all graduates on this remarkable achievement. We wish you every success as you begin the next chapter of your journey and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make in the years ahead.

Missed the Ceremony?

If you missed the graduation ceremony or would like to watch it again, you can view the YouTube livestreams below:

Morning Ceremony: Click here

Afternoon Ceremony: Click here