VNR: UH Mānoa TIM School marks 60 years of global leadership in hospitality, tourism, transportation

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Link to video and sound (details below): https://go.hawaii.edu/wyD

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's School of Travel Industry Management (TIM School) will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026, marking six decades since its founding in 1966. What began as a pioneering program in Hawaiʻi has grown into an internationally respected leader in hospitality, tourism and transportation education.

Since its inception, the TIM School has remained deeply rooted in Hawaiʻi's unique sense of place-embracing its culture, spirit of aloha and diverse communities-while serving as a key gateway to the Asia-Pacific.

In 2019, the TIM School rejoined the Shidler College of Business, a strategic integration that has:

• Introduced more than $1.5 million in new student scholarships
• Nearly doubled the size of the faculty
• Created six new faculty endowed fellowships and professorships
• Increased rankings: No. 15 nationally and No. 46 globally among the 1,500 hospitality and tourism programs in the 2024 Quacquarelli Symonds rankings; and No. 12 nationally and No. 32 globally among the 200 programs assessed by the 2025 Shanghai Ranking
• Increased undergraduate enrollment by 4.5% from 2024 to 2025
• Awarded more than $560,000 in scholarships during the 2025-26 academic year
• Enabled more than 90% of graduates to find employment or pursue graduate study within three months of graduation
• Established the TIM PhD program, which prepares students for careers in research, teaching and service, focused on travel industry management in Asia and the Pacific

"Future graduates have a deep understanding of the importance of Hawaiʻi's culture and the environment," said TIM Advisory Chair Keith Vieira (BBA '79). "That awareness will be critical to shaping visitor experiences that positively impact our communities and sustain an industry we can proudly carry forward."

A guiding force behind the school's global prominence was long-time leader Chuck Yim Gee, who served as dean from 1976 to 1999. Under his visionary leadership, the TIM School forged deep partnerships with the visitor industry, expanded its global engagement-particularly in the Asia-Pacific region-and championed sustainable tourism long before it became a worldwide priority. His legacy continues to influence the school's commitment to cultural understanding, global collaboration and academic excellence.

"This 60th anniversary is a meaningful milestone that reflects the dedication, vision and aloha that have shaped the TIM School since 1966," said Shidler College Dean Vance Roley. "As we honor our past, we look ahead to shaping a future that continues to reflect Hawaiʻi's lasting influence as a model for hospitality, leadership and excellence worldwide."

60th anniversary celebration

To commemorate its 60th anniversary, the TIM School will host a series of events and initiatives throughout the year that will honor the students, faculty, alumni and industry partners whose dedication has sustained the school for over six decades, culminating with the Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism event on March 31st at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. The event is the TIM School's largest fundraiser of the year in support of student scholarships.

This year's event will honor Elliot Mills (BBA '93), CEO & managing partner, Hawaii Hospitality Group, as the 2026 Legacy in Tourism honoree; induct Kylie Matsuda-Lum (BS '01), managing director, Kahuku Farms, into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor; and present ClimbHI-a nonprofit organization that connects students with career pathways and workforce development opportunities to help them finish high school and successfully enter post-secondary education or employment-with the Distinguished Service Award. Alumni and friends are invited to join in celebrating the enduring spirit of ʻohana that defines the TIM community.

Giving opportunities

In recognition of the TIM School's 60 years of impact, supporters are invited to invest in the next generation of hospitality, tourism and transportation leaders. Gifts of any size make a meaningful difference and will ensure that the TIM School will continue to serve as a premier resource for Hawaiʻi's visitor industry and the international tourism community. To explore giving opportunities or contribute, visit the TIM School Giving Page. Alumni may also submit their TIM School memories and update their information online.

For more information, contact Director of Development Jennifer Lieu at [email protected] or (808) 956-3597.

About the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Founded in 1949, the Shidler College of Business was named in 2006 after alumnus Jay H. Shidler, founder and managing partner of The Shidler Group. Since his initial gift of $25 million in 2006, Shidler has given approximately $238 million to the College in cash, land leases and in-kind donations. His contributions represent the largest individual donation to the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa and the second largest known gift to a U.S. public university business school.

In 2019, the School of Travel Industry Management rejoined the College. The College is renowned for its multicultural learning environment and its expertise in international business education, and is consistently ranked among the nation's top 25 schools for international business by U.S. News & World Report. Long recognized for its Asia-Pacific focus, the College offers a wide variety of degree, certificate and executive programs. It has the only graduate program in Hawai'i and Vietnam accredited by the prestigious AACSB International. For more information, visit shidler.hawaii.edu.

Link to broll and sound (details below): https://go.hawaii.edu/wyD

VIDEO:

BROLL: 1:05

Footage of George Hall, the home of the TIM School; video of TIM School courses; and photos of former TIM School students

SOUNDBITES:

Vance Roley, UH Mānoa Shidler College of Business Dean

(:17)

"So over 90% of our graduates get a position right after graduation or within three months after graduation. And it just shows the demand for our graduates is very strong, number one, and number two, it just shows the strength of the hospitality, tourism, transportation industries not only here in Hawai'i but all around the Pacific Rim."

(:17)

"What stands out the most to me about the TIM School's past is how innovative they were, especially right at the beginning. This is one of the first hospitality and tourism programs in the United States if not the world. And then they've added the transportation track, which makes it a really unique program."

James Taylor, UH Mānoa senior in travel industry management

(:17)

"I think that the opportunities the TIM School provides, the connections the school has and everything it has to offer for our students has been what I've been looking for. I think the courses have definitely provided me with industry experience that I need and prepared me for that industry work."

(:13)

"I've really developed my professional skills, and once I landed those internships, I've been able to put them in place. I've had various internships across a bunch of hotels, different types of positions, and I'd say that the TIM School has properly prepared me for that."