$363K+ Raised to Support UH Mānoa Travel & Hospitality Leaders
Shidler College’s TIM School celebrates 60 years and secures critical scholarships for future travel, hospitality and tourism professionals.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Shidler College of Business School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) hosted its 24th annual Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala on March 31 at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach, raising more than $363,000 to support student scholarships and key initiatives. The fundraiser took place during the school’s 60th anniversary year, marking six decades of preparing leaders who are shaping Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry and the global travel economy.
Since its 2019 reintegration with Shidler College, the school has celebrated remarkable successes: introducing more than $1.5 million in new student scholarships, nearly doubled faculty size, creating six endowed fellowships and professorships, and launching the TIM PhD program. Rising global and national rankings, a 4.5% increase in undergraduate enrollment from 2024 to 2025, and more than $560,000 in scholarships awarded in 2025–26 reflect the school’s growing impact. Additionally, over 90% of graduates secure employment or pursue graduate studies within three months of graduation.
“As we celebrate 60 years of the TIM School, this event reflects the strong partnership between our students and the industry they will soon lead,” said Vance Roley, dean of the Shidler College of Business and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership and Management.
At the gala, the 2026 Legacy in Tourism Award was presented to Elliot Mills (BBA ’93), CEO and managing partner of Hawaiʻi Hospitality Group, in recognition of his leadership and workforce development efforts. Kylie Matsuda Lum (BS ’01) was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor for expanding agritourism and connecting visitors to local culture, while ClimbHI, a nonprofit helping students explore career pathways, received the distinguished service award.
Presenting sponsors included Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Bank of Hawaii. Contributing sponsors included Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, Kamehameha Schools, and Marriott International, with Daniel K. Hilton as a platinum sponsor. Hawaiʻi Business Magazine returned as the media partner.
To learn more or support the TIM School and Shidler College of Business, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development, at jennifer.lieu@uhfoundation.org
