{"id":231647,"date":"2026-04-01T11:10:25","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T21:10:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=231647"},"modified":"2026-04-01T11:10:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T21:10:25","slug":"celebrate-a-legacy-in-tourism-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/01\/celebrate-a-legacy-in-tourism-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"$361K<\/abbr>+ raised to empower ÌÇÐÄVlog¹Ù·½<\/abbr> Mānoa\u2019s future travel, hospitality leaders"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
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From left, Shidler Dean Vance Roley, Julie Morikawa, Elliot Mills, Kylie Matsuda-Lum and TIM<\/abbr> School Director Daniel Spencer (Photo credit: Paula Ota)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The University of Hawaiʻi<\/span> at Mānoa<\/span> Shidler College of Business<\/a>\u2019 School of Travel Industry Management<\/a> (TIM<\/abbr> School) hosted its 24th annual Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala on March 31 at the ʻAlohilani<\/span> Resort Waikīkī<\/span> Beach. As the largest fundraiser in support of TIM<\/abbr> School student scholarships, the event raised more than $361,000 through the generous support of Hawaiʻi<\/span>\u2019s hospitality and business community.<\/p>\n

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Shidler College Dean Vance Roley speaking to event attendees (Photo credit: Paula Ota)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This year\u2019s celebration was especially meaningful as the TIM<\/abbr> School celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026<\/a>, honoring six decades of preparing leaders who shape Hawaiʻi<\/span>\u2019s visitor industry and the global travel economy.<\/p>\n

“As we celebrate 60 years of the TIM<\/abbr> 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. “The continued support from our community ensures that future graduates are equipped to advance a visitor industry that is innovative, responsible and grounded in Hawaiʻi<\/span>\u2019s culture and values.”<\/p>\n

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2026 Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala honorees and ÌÇÐÄVlog¹Ù·½<\/abbr> President Wendy Hensel (Photo credit: Paula Ota)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism recognizes individuals and organizations that have made outstanding and lasting contributions to Hawaiʻi<\/span>\u2019s visitor industry.<\/p>\n

At the March 31 gala, the 2026 Legacy in Tourism Award was presented to Elliot Mills (BBA<\/abbr> \u201993), CEO<\/abbr> and managing partner of Hawaiʻi<\/span> Hospitality Group. Mills was honored for his leadership and long-standing commitment to operational excellence, workforce development and strengthening Hawaiʻi<\/span>\u2019s hospitality sector.<\/p>\n

Kylie Matsuda-Lum (BS<\/abbr> \u201901), managing director of Kahuku Farms, was inducted into the TIM<\/abbr> Alumni Hall of Honor. A proud TIM<\/abbr> alumna, Matsuda-Lum has helped transform her family\u2019s agricultural enterprise into a successful agritourism destination that connects visitors with local agriculture, sustainability and community.<\/p>\n

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to ClimbHI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students explore career pathways and successfully transition from high school into post-secondary education and the workforce. Through industry partnerships and career readiness programs, ClimbHI plays a vital role in strengthening Hawaiʻi<\/span>\u2019s future workforce.<\/p>\n

The 2026 presenting sponsors were Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Bank of Hawaii. Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, Kamehameha Schools and Marriott International served as contributing sponsors, and Daniel K. Hilton was a platinum sponsor. Hawaiʻi<\/span> Business Magazine<\/em> again returned as the media partner.<\/p>\n

Support from sponsors, donors and community partners helps provide critical scholarship funding for students preparing for careers in hospitality, tourism and transportation. Since reunification with Shidler College in 2019, the school has:<\/p>\n