The University of Hawaii at Mānoa's School of Travel Industry Management, a beacon for hospitality, tourism, and transportation education, is celebrating its diamond jubilee. As per Big Island Now, a slate of events is set to commemorate the 60-year legacy, with a pinnacle occasion slated for March 31 at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. This gathering, honorably tagged "Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism," aims to raise funds to perpetuate the flow of scholarships for burgeoning talents in the sector.
The event will shine a light on Elliot Mills, who is being recognized as the 2026 Legacy in Tourism honoree. Not only were his academic roots sewn in this very ground with a BBA earned in '93, but he has also ascended to the esteemed role of CEO & managing partner of Hawaiʻi Hospitality Group. And according to Hawaii News Now, Kylie Matsuda-Lum, managing director of Kahuku Farms, will find her name immortalized in the institution's Alumni Hall of Honor.
An integral part of the anniversary celebration is the students whose achievements and potential are central to the School's mission. In fact, more than $560,000 in scholarships were awarded during the 2025–26 academic year, reaffirming the school's dedication to nurturing future industry leaders. ClimbHI, the nonprofit organization playing a pivotal role in guiding youth toward meaningful career pathways, will be recognized with the Distinguished Service Award—an accolade celebrating their contributions toward workforce development and education.
Reflecting on the impressive statistics, Vance Roley, Dean of the UH Shidler College of Business, told Hawaii News Now, "Over 90% of our graduates get a position right after graduation or within three months after graduation." This speaks volumes to the demand for graduates and highlights the strength of related industries both in Hawaii and across the Pacific Rim. Furthermore, the reintegration with the Shidler College of Business in 2019 has heightened the TIM School's capabilities, introducing over $1.5 million in new scholarships and significantly bolstering both faculty numbers and rankings on national and global scales.
"Future graduates have a deep understanding of the importance of Hawaiʻi’s culture and the environment," noted Keith Vieira, TIM Advisory Chair, in a statement obtained by Big Island Now.
