Past Honorees

Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism - Past Honorees

“Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism” was initiated in 1999 to honor Dean Emeritus, Chuck Y. Gee as he retired from the School of Travel Industry Management after over thirty years of service.

The School has continued the tradition of honoring a “legacy in tourism” in partnership with its Advisory and Alumni Boards. The event honors an individual who has made significant and long-term contributions to the travel industry in Hawai‘i.  From 2007-2009, the School collaborated with the Hawai‘i Hospitality Hall of Fame to honor leaders (posthumously) that were influential in Hawaii’s tourism.

Over the years, the event proceeds from this celebration have provided support for the School’s programs such as the establishment of the Gee Technology Learning Center at the TIM School, scholarships, teaching awards, Nā Kukui (Executive Mentor/Student Program) and graduation receptions.  Since 2011, all proceeds have benefitted student scholarship awards.

Year Honoree
2022 Roy Yamaguchi, Chef and Founder, Roy’s Worldwide, Eating, House 1849, Humble Market, Kitchin, GOEN Dining + Bar
2021

Paul Kosasa, President & CEO, ABC Stores

2019

Vicky Cayetano, President & CEO, United Laundry Services, Inc.

2018

Jerry Gibson, Area Vice President, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

2016

Peter Lenkov, Executive Producer Hawai'i Five-O The late Leonard Freeman, Creator

2015

Chris Tatum, Marriott International

2013

Patricia Tam, Halekūlani Corporation

2012

Ernest Nishizaki, Kyo-ya Company LLC

2011

Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian Airlines

2009

Hawai'i Hospitality Hall of Fame Honorees (multiple honorees)

2008

Hawai'i Hospitality Hall of Fame Honorees (multiple honorees)

2007

Hawai'i Hospitality Hall of Fame Honorees (multiple honorees)

2006

School of Travel Industry Management (40th Anniversary)

2005

Peter Schall, Hilton Hotels Hawai'i

2004

Dr.Richard Kelley, Outrigger Enterprises, Inc.

2003

Ambassador L.W. “Bill” Lane, Jr. and Mrs. Jean Lane, Sunset Magazine

2002

Former Governor George Ariyoshi

2001

Robert Burns, Regent International Hotels

2000

John Brogan, Sheraton Hotels

1999

Chuck Yim Gee, School of Travel Industry Management


Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award is presented at the Celebrate A Legacy in Tourism Event.

Year Honoree
2019

Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association

2018

Hawai'i Lodging & Tourism Association

2016

Noel Trainor

2004

Travel Weekly

2003

Club Managers of America Association - Paradise of the Pacific

2002

J. Hans Strasser

2001

Hawai'i Hotel Association

2000

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)

1999

Peter Fithian

1998

Sea Land Service

1997

Stephen R.P. Boyle

1996

Peter Schall

1995

Manuel Woo

1994

Japan Travel Bureau, Inc.

1993

ITT Sheraton Hawai'i Japan

1992

Claire W. Engle

1991

Kahala Hilton Hotel

1990

Aloha Airlines

1989

Jean E. Rolles

1988

John C. Brogan

1987

Bernice C. Loui

1986

Robert J. Pfeiffer

1985

Gregory M.B. Tong

1984

Bill Lane, Jr.

1983

Robert H. Burns

1982

Richard T. Hashimoto

1981

Larry M.K. Tchou

1980

Kenneth F.C. Char


Hall of Honor Alumni Inductees

Established in 1992, the School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) created the Alumni Hall of Honor to recognize graduates of the school who have distinguished themselves and brought honor to their alma mater through exemplary professional achievement, dedicated service to their communities and support for the TIM School.

Year Inductees
2022

Dave Evans, Professor and Department, Chair Hospitality and Tourism Kapi‘olani CC

2021

Glenn Vergara, Vice President and General Manager, Waikiki Resort Hotel

2019

Lee-Ann Choy

2018

Glenn Perry

Clinton K. Inouye (Alumni Distinguished Service Award)

2016

Daniel Chun

2015

Julie Arigo

2013

Kevin Iwamoto

2012

Allan Lum

2011

Joseph Toy

2009

Audrey Higuchi

Alan Ong

2007/2008

Ed Wary

Anthony Wong

2006

All Alumni Honorees

2005

Dean Nakasone

2004

Lois Sismar

2003

Ren Hirose

2002

Tsuyoshi Sakata

2001

Paul Yokota

2000

Paul Tang

1999

Johnson Choi

Theodore "Ted" Sakai

1998

Kathy Inkinen

1997

Richard Hartman

1996

Clyde Min

Joseph Pluta

1995

Tim Marsden

1994

Michael White

1993

Roberta Wong Leung