TIM Alumni Association

Celebrating 60 years of leadership, innovation and impact 🌏

Since its founding in 1966, the School of Travel Industry Management (TIM School) at the Shidler College of Business has grown from a pioneering program in Hawaiʻi into a globally recognized leader in hospitality, tourism and transportation education.

Today, TIM continues to shape the future of the industry through global partnerships, hands-on learning and a deep connection to Hawaiʻi’s culture and community. With strong rankings, growing enrollment and more than 90% of graduates employed or pursuing advanced degrees within three months, its impact is felt both locally and worldwide.

As the TIM School celebrates this milestone, it honors the students, alumni, faculty and industry partners who have built its legacy—and looks ahead to the next generation of leaders who will carry it forward.

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/3OrZI7k

Six Decades of Leadership: TIM School celebrates 60 years | The Shidler College of Business This

Join us in congratulating Tetsuji “Tets” Yamazaki, MS ’96, on his new role as general manager of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort.

A respected leader in Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry, Tets brings nearly 30 years of experience and a deep commitment to service, excellence and community. His journey from the TIM program to leading one of Waikīkī’s flagship properties reflects the strength and global impact of a Shidler education.

We’re proud to celebrate this exciting next chapter and look forward to all that’s ahead.

We are proud to recognize ClimbHI as the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award at this year’s Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism event! 🏆✨

Through its innovative approach to connecting education and industry, ClimbHI has created meaningful pathways between Hawai‘i’s students and the hospitality and tourism workforce. By bringing classrooms and careers together, the organization continues to inspire the next generation while strengthening the future of our industry.

ClimbHI’s commitment to collaboration, community engagement, and workforce development exemplifies true service and lasting impact. Their work not only empowers students, but also supports businesses and builds a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector for Hawai‘i.

Congratulations, ClimbHI! 👏🌺

As we celebrate 60 years of the TIM School, alumna Ashley Okino, BS ’22, reflects on one of her most meaningful experiences — welcoming Professor Adiyukh Berbekova during her senior year.

“At a time when I was unsure of my future, she motivated me to keep searching to find what I was passionate about. She was engaging, informative, and you could truly see her passion for the tourism industry. Outside of class, she was always open and willing to guide students in the right direction. Hands down the best professor I’ve had the pleasure of learning from — I will never forget her!”

Here’s to the professors who inspire, uplift, and leave a lasting impact on generations of TIM students. 💚

We are proud to recognize Kylie Matsuda-Lum, BS ’01, Managing Director of Kahuku Farms, as our TIM Alumni Hall of Honor Award recipient at this year’s Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism event! 🏆🌿

As a passionate leader in Hawai‘i’s agricultural and tourism communities, Kylie has played an instrumental role in growing Kahuku Farms into a beloved destination that blends sustainability, education, and authentic local experiences. Her dedication to agritourism has helped showcase the importance of supporting local farming while creating meaningful connections between visitors and the land.

A proud alumna, Kylie embodies innovation, stewardship, and community leadership. Her commitment to preserving Hawai‘i’s agricultural heritage while shaping the future of sustainable tourism truly reflects the spirit of Legacy.

Congratulations, Kylie! 👏✨

We are proud to recognize Elliot Mills, BBA ’93, CEO & Managing Partner of Hawaii Hospitality Group, as the recipient of the Legacy in Tourism Award at our Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism event! 🏆✨.

As a respected leader in Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry, Elliot has dedicated his career to building exceptional guest experiences and strengthening the state’s tourism landscape. Through his leadership at Hawaii Hospitality Group, he continues to champion innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across the industry.

A proud alumnus, Elliot exemplifies the spirit of Legacy—leading with integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to Hawai‘i’s hospitality community. His impact is felt not only within his organization, but throughout the broader tourism sector.

Congratulations, Eliot! 👏🌺

This , we’re excited to welcome Lance Cabanilla-Ku, BS ’07 to the TIM Alumni Association Board of Directors! 💼✨

Lance was hired by Lili’uokalani Trust in August 2025 as a Learning and Organizational Development Consultant, and has recently took on a role as an Implementation Manager focusing on strategy, process improvement, innovation, design, leadership, and project management.

Previously, he worked in improvement and operations roles with HawkTree International (Island Movers), Horizon Lines (Pasha), and Matson Inc., as well as serving in multiple positions within the Department of Defense at Pearl Harbor.

Lance has been married since 2009 and is the proud father of two Kamehameha Schools high school students. 🌟

Welcome to the board, Lance! 🎉

This , we’re excited to welcome Given Yagi, BS ’20 to the TIM Alumni Association Board of Directors! 💼✨

Currently serving as Assistant Director of Services at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Marriott International, Given brings extensive leadership experience across front office and housekeeping operations. He previously served as Director of Housekeeping at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, where he played a key role in operational excellence and team leadership.

A proud TIM alumnus, Given is deeply committed to strengthening alumni engagement and supporting the continued development of future hospitality leaders. 🌟

Congratulations, Given, and welcome to the board! 🎉

As we celebrate 60 years of the School of Travel Industry Management, alumni stories like this remind us how deeply TIM shapes lives — often in unexpected ways.

Fion Lau, BS ’05, shares how a season of uncertainty after leaving a demanding corporate role led her to rediscover what mattered most. Watching her two sons simply be themselves sparked the idea for The Courageous Forrest Brothers — a children’s book series born from family moments, reflection and growth. What began as a personal project has grown into a meaningful creative journey she hopes resonates with families everywhere.

Fion credits her time at the TIM School for its openness, global perspective and emphasis on learning by doing — experiences that challenged her to think broadly, communicate thoughtfully and turn ideas into action.

Her advice for current students, especially those who didn’t grow up in Hawai‘i: lean into the experience. The relationships, perspectives and sense of belonging you build here will stay with you long after you leave.

Mahalo, Fion, for sharing your story and being part of the TIM legacy.

🔗 Read more here: https://shidler.hawaii.edu/news/2026/01/30/life-lessons-at-home-inspire-uh-alumnas-new-childrens-books

🌟We extend our sincere appreciation to the following individuals for their continued dedication and support of our Travel Industry Management (TIM) alumni community:

Michelle Borromeo, BS ’17, MHRM ’19, Senior Human Resources Manager, Turtle Bay Resort

Dave Evans, BBA ’79, MS ’06, PhD ’13, Chair and Professor, Hospitality and Tourism Education, Kapiʻolani Community College

Your commitment and contributions continue to make a lasting impact, strengthening our alumni community and enriching the legacy of the TIM School and its alumni association.

We’re proud to see our newest graduates already making an impact in Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry.

Nawahine Nascimento, BS ’25, a Travel Industry Management (TIM) graduate from the Shidler College of Business, was recently featured for becoming the first Aulani Scholarship recipient to secure a full-time position at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

Born and raised in Nānākuli, Nascimento pursued degrees in Travel Industry Management and Hawaiian Studies, combining her passion for hospitality with a deep commitment to sharing Hawaiian culture. Through internships, hands-on experience and scholarship support, she turned her education into a career serving guests from around the world.
Her journey reflects the power of experiential learning, industry partnerships and the next generation of leaders shaping the future of hospitality in Hawai‘i.

Read her story: https://alohastatedaily.com/2026/01/14/aulani-scholarship-recipient-first-to-land-job-at-resort/

Congratulations, Nawahine! We look forward to all you’ll accomplish.

Aloha State Daily | Aulani Scholarship recipient first to land job at resort Born and raised in Nānākuli, Nawahine Nascimento recently graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in both hospitality and Hawaiian Studies. She…

Congratulations to Maria Calso, BS ’21, on her new role as a Sales Analyst at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort!

A graduate of the School of Travel industry management at the Shidler College of Business, Maria continues to build her career in hospitality through data-driven strategy and analysis. We’re proud to see our alumni making an impact across the industry.