This story was originally posted on April 14 on UH News.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business’ School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) held its 21st annual Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala on April 13, at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. The event is the largest fundraiser in support of the TIM School, with proceeds benefiting student scholarships.
This year’s event raised more than $425,000, thanks to the generous support of the hospitality and Hawaiʻi business community.
“It is uplifting to see Hawaiʻi’s travel industry and business community come together in steadfast support with the common goal of setting up our future business leaders for success,” Shidler College Dean and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership and Management Vance Roley said. “The school plays a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of travel industry professionals. Tonight’s sold-out event demonstrates the staunch support we continue to receive for the TIM School.”
2023 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 Keith Vieira; Clinton Inouye was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor; and Alaska Airlines received the Distinguished Service Award.
Vieira received the Legacy in Tourism Award for his many contributions in elevating the college, opening pathways for diversity and for serving as a trailblazer within his industry. Vieira is a 1979 alumnus and serves as principal of KV & Associates Hospitality Consulting, LLC. Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, Vieira’s long-standing career in hospitality began in 1981, holding various sales and communications leadership positions within Sheraton, eventually managing all advertising and public relations for ITT Sheraton’s Asia Pacific division portfolio, and in 1999 serving as senior vice president and director of operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Worldwide, Inc. following the acquisition of ITT Corporation. Vieira currently serves as the chair of the TIM School’s advisory council and he continues to participate in a variety of non-profit organizations.
Inouye was presented with the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor award, which recognizes his professional accomplishments and commitment to the TIM school. Now retired, Inouye spent more than 29 years working in the information technology and hospitality fields, with large organizations such as Starwood Hotels and Sheraton. In 2011, his lifetime love for photography blossomed into his own business, It’s Photo Time! by Clinton K. Inouye, which he currently operates. Inouye joined the TIM Alumni Association Board in 2005 as a director and served as treasurer from 2008–18. He continues to pay it forward to the TIM School, establishing the Clinton K. Inouye Scholarship to support undergraduate students.
Alaska Airlines was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award for the many contributions to Hawaiʻi’s tourism industry and the community at large. Alaska’s Andy Schneider, Senior Vice President, People and alumnus Daniel Chun, BS ’02, who serves as the company’s director of sales, community and public relations for Hawaiʻi, accepted the award.
This year’s presenting sponsors were Marriott International and “The Sheraton Old Timers” group; contributing sponsors were Alaska Airlines; Bank of Hawaiʻi; First Hawaiian Bank; KV & Associates and Stanford Carr Development; Terri Fujii & Lawrence Rodriguez; and The Westin Maui, Trinity Investments and Oaktree Capital. Hawaiʻi Business magazine served as the 2023 media partner.
Learn more about the event and this year’s honorees. Find a full list of past honorees at the TIM website.
