Record $517K raised to empower future leaders in travel industry management

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The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business ' School of Travel Industry Management (TIM school) held its 22nd annual Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala on April 10, at the Sheraton Waikīkī. Also marking the college's 75th anniversary, this year's fundraiser raised a record-breaking $517,000 thanks to the generous support of the hospitality and Hawaiʻi business community.

"We're proud to recognize Mufi Hannemann, Holden Lim and Kyo-ya as trailblazers in their industry, who continue to inspire current and future graduates," said Shidler College Dean and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership Management Vance Roley. "Further, it's incredible that over half a million dollars has been raised to support student scholarships. We applaud the efforts of our volunteer table sales committee and the 2024 honorees to greatly amplify our impact."

2024 honorees

Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism honors individuals who have made significant and long-term contributions to Hawaiʻi's tourism industry. This year, the Legacy in Tourism Award was presented to Muliufi "Mufi" Hannemann; Holden Lim, BBA '89 was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor; and Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP received the Distinguished Service Award.

Hannemann was honored with the Legacy in Tourism Award for his vast contributions to the tourism industry and dedication to fostering the development of students. As president and CEO of the Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association, chair of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority board, and board member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, Hannemann has played a pivotal role in shaping the state's tourism landscape. His founding of the Pacific Century Fellows and service to the TIM school as an advisory council member further showcases his commitment to nurturing future leaders.

Lim, president of Hospitality Link International, Inc., was presented with the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor award, recognizing his professional achievements and continued support of the TIM school. Lim's career in the hospitality industry began in 1989 at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco and over the years, he contributed significantly to firms like HVS International and Sonnenblick-Goldman Company, orchestrating over $4.5 billion in real estate transactions. Lim remains engaged with the TIM school, currently serving on the TIM Alumni Association as secretary.

Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP, was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award for their contributions to Hawaiʻi's tourism industry and the community, providing many hours of service and volunteer hours to various local causes. Kyo-ya expanded its footprint across Hawaiʻi and California, including iconic properties like The Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Maui. Additionally, Kyo-ya serves as a pipeline for hospitality careers, hiring numerous graduates from UH and mentoring high school and college students, ensuring the continuity of generations in the islands.

This year's presenting sponsor was Marriott International; contributing sponsors were Bank of Hawaii; Central Pacific Bank; First Hawaiian Bank; Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association, Iron Workers Stabilization Fund & Iron Workers Local 625; KV & Associates and Stanford Carr Development; Kyo-ya Hotel & Resorts, LP; "Sheraton Old Timers" group; and The Westin Maui and Trinity Investments. Hawaii Business magazine once again served as the 2024 media partner.

To support the TIM school or Shidler college, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development at [email protected]. For a full list of past honorees click here.

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

Celebrating its 75th year of international excellence, the Shidler College of Business was founded in 1949, and 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. The college has the only graduate program in the state of Hawai'i and Vietnam accredited by AACSB International.