TIM School: Major Economic Force
May 18, 2011 | Hawaiian Airlines Discount Share
The University of Hawaii’s School of Travel Industry Management is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. While this milestone is being observed with appropriate fanfare by faculty, students and alumni one and all, I feel the TIM school has been largely under appreciated by the general public, particularly for its role in our largest and most important industry, tourism.
Yes, we recognize the educational opportunities that a college education provides. We also know that the University of Hawaii has educated generations of Island folks for more than a hundred years. But we sometimes fail to recognize that the UH system has had, and continues to have, a tremendous impact on our economic prosperity.
Think about what the UH has given us: the engineers, architects, and construction trades people who build our homes, workplaces, and infrastructure ... doctors, nurses, and medical professionals who care for our health ... teachers in our schools and colleges ... business, labor, and government leaders ... scientists and researchers who are helping us better understand our world ... skilled trades men and women in business, government, and the military ... computer experts ... sports coaches and professional athletes ... and, to my point, the individuals who have filled the ranks of our visitor industry and related enterprises as executives, managers, restaurateurs, chefs, support staff and the myriad other occupations that contribute to the success of tourism.
The School of Travel Industry Management has been a cornerstone of the visitor industry throughout its existence, not only for Hawaii but across the globe. As a prime example, the TIM School honored one of its own at its 45th anniversary banquet. Joseph Toy, head of locally based Hospitality Advisors and an alumnus of the school, was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Honor for his success in developing his company into one of the world’s leading tourism consulting firms.
He joined another alum, Ernest Nishizaki, president of Kyo-ya Management Company, who was the very first inductee into the Hall of Honor. Coincidentally, Ernie received the 2011 American Hotel and Lodging Association’s State Leadership Award for his support for the travel industry.
TIM also honored Mark Dunkerley, president and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, with its Legacy in Tourism award for his role in making this home-grown company one of the best in the nation.
These individuals have used their educations and experiences not only to make invaluable contributions to travel and tourism, but to serve as outstanding examples of the school and community.
As the TIM School continues to build on this legacy during this landmark year, it behooves us to reflect on the many achievements this institution and the entire University of Hawaii system have made, and continue to make, to our progress.
MUFI’S VISITOR HEROES
Roldan Blando
Position: Food and Beverage Supervisor
Location: Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club
Island: Oahu
Roldan Blando’s supervisors are effusive in their praise: “Strong leadership gift,” “commitment to quality” and “admirable integrity and responsibility” are just a few of the superlatives used to describe his work at Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club.
Roldan, who heads the utility and culinary team, has earned a reputation for outstanding service to the club’s guests, as well as his ability to successfully lead his team of co-workers. He helps organize a luau for 400 each week by preparing the grounds, attending to myriad details, ensuring an appealing buffet line and even greeting guests and escorting them to their seats.
Roldan arrived in Hawaii from the Philippines a little more than 10 years ago. He began work on Maui in the hotel industry and split his time for a while with a second job at the Marriott Ihilani on Oahu before joining the club in 2004. He somehow finds the time to be an active supporter of numerous charitable organizations in his spare time.
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