The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 鈥� (TIM School) hosted its 24th annual Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala on March 31 at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach. As the largest fundraiser in support of TIM School student scholarships, the event raised more than $361,000 through the generous support of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 hospitality and business community.

This year鈥檚 celebration was especially meaningful as the TIM School celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026, honoring six decades of preparing leaders who shape Hawaiʻi鈥檚 visitor industry and the global travel economy.

“As we celebrate 60 years of the TIM School, this event reflects the strong partnership between our students and the industry they will soon lead,” said Vance Roley, dean of the Shidler College of Business and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership and Management. “The continued support from our community ensures that future graduates are equipped to advance a visitor industry that is innovative, responsible and grounded in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 culture and values.”

Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism recognizes individuals and organizations that have made outstanding and lasting contributions to Hawaiʻi鈥檚 visitor industry.

At the March 31 gala, the 2026 Legacy in Tourism Award was presented to Elliot Mills (BBA 鈥�93), CEO and managing partner of Hawaiʻi Hospitality Group. Mills was honored for his leadership and long-standing commitment to operational excellence, workforce development and strengthening Hawaiʻi鈥檚 hospitality sector.

Kylie Matsuda-Lum (BS 鈥�01), managing director of Kahuku Farms, was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor. A proud TIM alumna, Matsuda-Lum has helped transform her family鈥檚 agricultural enterprise into a successful agritourism destination that connects visitors with local agriculture, sustainability and community.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to ClimbHI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students explore career pathways and successfully transition from high school into post-secondary education and the workforce. Through industry partnerships and career readiness programs, ClimbHI plays a vital role in strengthening Hawaiʻi鈥檚 future workforce.

The 2026 presenting sponsors were Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Bank of Hawaii. Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, Kamehameha Schools and Marriott International served as contributing sponsors, and Daniel K. Hilton was a platinum sponsor. Hawaiʻi Business Magazine again returned as the media partner.

Support from sponsors, donors and community partners helps provide critical scholarship funding for students preparing for careers in hospitality, tourism and transportation. Since reunification with Shidler College in 2019, the school has:

• Introduced more than $1.5 million in new student scholarships
• Nearly doubled the size of the faculty
• Created six new faculty endowed fellowships and professorships
• Rising global and national rankings
• Increased undergraduate enrollment by 4.5% from 2024 to 2025
• Awarded more than $560,000 in scholarships during the 2025–26 academic year
• Enabled more than 90% of graduates to find employment or pursue graduate study within three months of graduation
• Established the TIM PhD program

To support the TIM School or Shidler College of Business, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development, at jennifer.lieu@uhfoundation.org. .

Fion Lau, a 2005 University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (TIM School) graduate, is turning her experiences as a mother into a children鈥檚 book series that explores sibling relationships, growth and family life. The series, The Courageous Forrest Brothers, was inspired by a quiet period in Lau鈥檚 life after transitioning from a corporate job.

“That night, I started thinking: why don鈥檛 I create something about [my children]? Something that captures the sibling moments, the emotions, the conflicts and the growth I was witnessing every day,” Lau said. “Writing became a way for me to process that transition in my own life, and those first ideas gradually grew into The Courageous Forrest Brothers. What began as a personal project has since become a series I hope resonates with other families navigating similar moments.”

The series currently includes three titles, with three additional books planned for release in the coming months. The books are available and on . Lau is also developing a children鈥檚 activity-book series, Safe and Smart.

东精影业 experience shapes Lau鈥檚 path

Lau credits much of her professional and personal development to her time at 东精影业 Mānoa’s TIM School, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

“My fondest memories of studying at the TIM School are the sense of openness and global perspective,” she said. “Coming from Hong Kong, I was surrounded by people from different cultures and backgrounds, which challenged me to think more broadly and communicate more thoughtfully. Beyond the classroom, the relationships and conversations I had during that time left a lasting impression and shaped how I approach both work and life today.”

She said the school鈥檚 focus on experiential learning prepared her for her career and life beyond the classroom.

“What I appreciated most about the TIM School/ was how much emphasis it placed on learning by doing,” Lau said. “While we were still students, we had opportunities to meet and learn from industry professionals, which made everything feel much more real and tangible, not just theoretical.”

Lau encourages current students to embrace the community and cultural experiences in Hawaiʻi.

“The people are genuinely friendly and welcoming, and because Hawaiʻi is such a diverse community, you don鈥檛 really feel like an outsider—even if you didn鈥檛 grow up there,” Lau said. “My advice to students would be to lean into that experience. Be open, build relationships, and allow yourself to learn not just academically, but culturally and personally as well. The connections you make and the perspectives you gain in Hawaiʻi will stay with you long after you leave, and they often shape you in ways you only realize later.”

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa鈥檚 (TIM School) will celebrate its in 2026, marking six decades since its founding in 1966. What began as a pioneering program in Hawaiʻi has grown into an internationally respected leader in hospitality, tourism and transportation education.

Since its inception, the TIM School has remained deeply rooted in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique sense of place—embracing its culture, spirit of aloha and diverse communities—while serving as a key gateway to the Asia-Pacific.

In 2019, the TIM School rejoined the , a strategic integration that has:

• Introduced more than $1.5 million in new student scholarships
• Nearly doubled the size of the faculty
• Created six new faculty endowed fellowships and professorships
• Increased rankings: No. 15 nationally and No. 46 globally among the 1,500 hospitality and tourism programs in the 2024 rankings; and No. 12 nationally and No. 32 globally among the 200 programs assessed by the 2025
• Increased undergraduate enrollment by 4.5% from 2024 to 2025
• Awarded more than $560,000 in scholarships during the 2025–26 academic year
• Enabled more than 90% of graduates to find employment or pursue graduate study within three months of graduation
• Established the TIM PhD program, which prepares students for careers in research, teaching and service, focused on travel industry management in Asia and the Pacific

“Future graduates have a deep understanding of the importance of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 culture and the environment,” said TIM Advisory Chair Keith Vieira (BBA 鈥�79). “That awareness will be critical to shaping visitor experiences that positively impact our communities and sustain an industry we can proudly carry forward.”

A guiding force behind the school鈥檚 global prominence was long-time leader Chuck Yim Gee, who served as dean from 1976 to 1999. Under his visionary leadership, the TIM School forged deep partnerships with the visitor industry, expanded its global engagement—particularly in the Asia-Pacific region—and championed sustainable tourism long before it became a worldwide priority. His legacy continues to influence the school鈥檚 commitment to cultural understanding, global collaboration and academic excellence.

“This 60th anniversary is a meaningful milestone that reflects the dedication, vision and aloha that have shaped the TIM School since 1966,” said Shidler College Dean Vance Roley. “As we honor our past, we look ahead to shaping a future that continues to reflect Hawaiʻi鈥檚 lasting influence as a model for hospitality, leadership and excellence worldwide.”

60th anniversary celebration

To commemorate its 60th anniversary, the TIM School will host a series of events and initiatives throughout the year that will honor the students, faculty, alumni and industry partners whose dedication has sustained the school for over six decades, culminating with the event on March 31st at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. The event is the TIM School鈥檚 largest fundraiser of the year in support of student scholarships.

This year鈥檚 event will honor Elliot Mills (BBA 鈥�93), CEO & managing partner, Hawaii Hospitality Group, as the 2026 Legacy in Tourism honoree; induct Kylie Matsuda-Lum (BS 鈥�01), managing director, Kahuku Farms, into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor; and present ClimbHI—a nonprofit organization that connects students with career pathways and workforce development opportunities to help them finish high school and successfully enter post-secondary education or employment—with the Distinguished Service Award. Alumni and friends are invited to join in celebrating the enduring spirit of ʻohana that defines the TIM community.

Giving opportunities

In recognition of the TIM School鈥檚 60 years of impact, supporters are invited to invest in the next generation of hospitality, tourism and transportation leaders. Gifts of any size make a meaningful difference and will ensure that the TIM School will continue to serve as a premier resource for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 visitor industry and the international tourism community. To explore giving opportunities or contribute, visit the . Alumni may also submit their .

For more information, contact Director of Development Jennifer Lieu at Jennifer.Lieu@uhfoundation.org or (808) 956-3597.

The earned high marks in nearly 20 academic subjects in the , with , and leading the way among the highest-ranked programs.

Oceanography ranked No. 5 in the U.S. and No. 7 in the world, atmospheric science placed No. 8 nationally and No. 11 worldwide, and hospitality and tourism management ranked No. 12 in the U.S. and No. 32 in the world.

The rankings were released by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy and is considered one of the most comprehensive and objective assessments of university performance by discipline.

东精影业 Mānoa also posted strong global and national placements across science, engineering, social science and other fields. tied for No. 17 in the U.S. and ranked No. 51–75 worldwide, while ecology and each tied for No. 24 nationally and placed No. 76–100 globally.

Additional 东精影业 Mānoa subjects recognized in the 2025 rankings include communication, education, political science, water resources, biological sciences, civil engineering, food science and technology, environmental science and engineering, agricultural sciences, economics, management and physics.

“These rankings reflect the depth and consistency of excellence at 东精影业 Mānoa,” Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “Our faculty are advancing research that matters locally and globally, while preparing students to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our world.”

东精影业 Mānoa was evaluated alongside approximately 2,000 universities from more than 100 countries and regions, selected from a global pool of more than 25,000 institutions. The rankings are based on measures such as world-class faculty, world-class research output, high-quality research, research impact and international collaboration.

Other recent rankings:

• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, October 9, 2025
• Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, October 2, 2025
• U.S. News and World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings, September 23, 2025

For more information, .

—By Marc Arakaki

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa鈥檚 (TIM School) in the hosted its annual Ambassador L.W. “Bill” Lane Jr. and Mrs. Jean Lane Lecture on Sustainability on October 29, at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. The free event drew more than 100 attendees for an engaging conversation on regenerative tourism and sustainable business practices.

The lecture brought together approximately 30 students, 20 faculty members and members of the local business and tourism communities to explore how Hawaiʻi can lead the way in balancing economic vitality with environmental and cultural stewardship.

Audience members were invited to ask questions and engage directly with the panelists, sparking lively discussion about the intersection of sustainability, culture and commerce. Student attendees shared that the event deepened their understanding of what regenerative tourism looks like in action and how they can contribute to Hawaiʻi鈥檚 future.

“The discussion centered on topics that are critical to my future career opportunities, as well as how to position Hawaiʻi as a tourist destination in ways that respect our unique culture, fragile ecosystem and protecting limited resources,” said TIM junior Sally Citrawireja and a Hoʻoilina scholarship recipient. “Being from Maui, not only is this discussion top of mind, but I appreciated the opportunity to build relationships with hospitality leaders. These networking opportunities have personally led to me being offered internships and sparking lifelong mentorships, which I鈥檓 grateful for.”

This year鈥檚 discussion featured three distinguished panelists:

• Jerry Agrusa, TIM School professor, is an internationally respected scholar in hospitality and tourism. A Fulbright senior specialist, and recipient of the Asia Pacific Tourism Association Founder鈥檚 Award and Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association鈥檚 Nā Poʻe Paʻahana “Hospitality Educator of the Year,” Agrusa has published more than 100 papers and presented in more than 25 countries.
• Taylor Ledgerwood, TIM alumna and manager of the Kahala Initiative for Sustainability, Culture and the Arts at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, is a Shidler College alumna and Hoʻoilina scholar. Born and raised in Maunalua, she leads initiatives that connect sustainability, culture and community.
• John Morgan, president and general manager of Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve, is a sixth-generation Hawaiʻi resident whose leadership has guided Kualoa Ranch from a small family business into a global model of stewardship, education and diversified agriculture.

The panel was moderated by Xiaodan Mao-Clark, assistant professor at the TIM School, who guided the conversation on how education, collaboration and innovation can strengthen Hawaiʻi鈥檚 visitor industry while preserving its natural and cultural resources.

“Events like this remind us that Hawaiʻi has both the responsibility and opportunity to model regenerative tourism for the world,” said Shidler College Dean Vance Roley. “Bringing together leaders from industry, academia and the community helps our students see how business can drive meaningful change.”

The Lane Lecture Series was established in 2001 through a gift from Ambassador L.W. “Bill” Lane Jr. and his wife, Jean Lane, to address critical issues of sustainability in the travel industry. Each year, it brings together experts and the community to inspire the next generation of business and tourism leaders.

While he was a student at the 鈥嬧�婾niversity of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa (TIM School), Jared Matsuki, executive director of (an organization connecting people to care for the ʻāina), had a defining moment that would shape his future—he attended his first beach cleanup at Makapuʻu Beach Park in 2018. He was a frequent beachgoer, but this time was different because it opened his eyes to a problem hidden under the sand.

“I realized just how much plastic was buried beneath the surface—not just large bottles or bags, but tiny, broken-down fragments of microplastics,” he said. “I remember feeling overwhelmed because I could barely make a dent in one small area. That moment stayed with me; it opened my eyes to a deeper problem—one that鈥檚 invisible unless you鈥檙e really looking.”

Following that cleanup, Matsuki felt inspired to take action. He began volunteering regularly with local nonprofits hosting beach cleanups and learned everything he could about how they were run. He also started making sand sifters with his dad using scrap wood they had at home, and used them during small cleanups he organized with friends a few times a year.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, it gave Matsuki time to reflect on what a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of microplastics and creating a regenerative experience for participants could look like. Starting with a meaningful name, Hele Mua was born. He said the name means “to go forward,” perfectly aligning with the organization鈥檚 mission—connecting tourism and the local community to work together to protect and preserve the ʻāina (land) through Native Hawaiian practices that inspire sustainable living.

By 2023, the organization obtained its nonprofit status and has been growing steadily. Matsuki is joined by fellow alumni Romel Gaspar, account recruiting manager at Actalent (a company connecting talent with engineering and technical opportunities), who serves as the board鈥檚 community engagement and outreach manager, and Savanna Diorec, catering and conference coordinator for Prince Waikiki, who serves as social media manager. The trio, along with three more board members, host events, partner with community organizations and create hands-on stewardship opportunities.

A strong TIM School foundation

During his time as a student, Matsuki said he took full advantage of opportunities available to him, including leadership roles in TIMSA (Travel Industry Management Student Association) and Eta Sigma Delta. He also participated in the Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association鈥檚 Generational Mentorship Program, studied abroad in Tokyo and completed internships. He reflects that these experiences—alongside impactful courses from professors such as Jerry Agrusa—helped him gain perspective.

“I got to see tourism from so many angles—as a student, an employee, an intern and a volunteer,” he said. “That helped shape how I see the industry鈥檚 role in Hawaiʻi and why I believe Hele Mua鈥檚 mission—to bridge tourism with culture and community—is so important. A lot of what we do today is rooted in the experiences and lessons I picked up during those four years.”

For the entire story and more stories like this, .

Sometimes circumstances choose our path forward. For University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Associate Professor Lenna Shulga, her journey to academia was happenstance.

Shulga was born in Ukraine and decades ago, she and her family immigrated from Russia. She landed her first job in the U.S. after connecting with a woman who had a young child and was the daughter of a Japanese immigrant. The bed and breakfast owner hired Shulga on the spot to work the front desk.

Shulga reflects that those early days in Cambridge, Massachusetts, provided her family with the flexibility needed to establish roots. When the small bed and breakfast expanded, adding a boutique hotel and an events venue, so did her hospitality skills. She went on to hold management positions at Hilton and Extended Stay America hotels and discovered she enjoyed the fast-paced nature of hospitality and was pretty good at customer service.

Before long, Shulga desired to advance her hospitality career and earned her master鈥檚 in business administration at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. One of her professors suggested she pursue her doctorate. She agreed and headed west to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

“My advisor and mentor at UNLV inspired, guided and supported my academic journey,” she said. “It is important to have great mentors in your life. And I am inspired to be one.”

Practice meets pedagogy

“东精影业 has an excellent reputation as a first-tier research institution that is known around the globe.” — Lenna Shulga

Shulga鈥檚 humble beginnings coupled with her passion for the industry and the desire to give back were all factors leading her to the classroom. When the TIM School in the offered her a position in 2017, it was a natural choice for her to accept.

“东精影业 has an excellent reputation as a first-tier research institution that is known around the globe,” she said. “Located in the world鈥檚 top travel destination, the TIM School has a recognized brand and is well established as a center for research and scholarship.”

Since becoming a professor specializing in hospitality human resources management and organizational behavior, Shulga has embraced and leaned on her personal experiences in the industry. She believes in maintaining strong connections with Hawaiʻi鈥檚 visitor industry and often creates industry-related projects. Another vital skill she weaves into the curriculum is critical thinking, which can be a daunting task in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

“No matter whether you have AI or robots, you still have people who manage those and you need to know how to manage people,” she said.

For the entire story and more stories like this, .

As the director of human resources at Young Brothers, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumna Shannon Lum doesn鈥檛 just manage teams—she connects people, communities and purpose across the state. With a deep belief in compassionate leadership and a foundation built at Shidler, she鈥檚 helping move what matters most in Hawaiʻi.

In her statewide role, Lum works with employees, union leaders and local stakeholders across all islands, guided by the values of empathy, accountability and integrity.

“Over time, I鈥檝e learned that impactful leadership comes from supporting and empowering others,” she said. “It鈥檚 not about having all the answers but creating space for others to grow, speak up and lead.”

Lum said a big part of her evolution came after becoming a mother to 3-year-old Emi. Her daughter has taught her that being a role model to a child strengthens her as a leader across all areas of her life. She now understands the influence that home and work have on each other, and this awareness reminds her to lead with grace, flexibility and humanity.

Lum earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Shidler and said that her time at the helped her to see systems and service from a broader lens. Later in graduate school, her time in the master of human resource management helped her to pivot into human resources leadership.

Lessons from the field

Outside of the classroom, Lum played first base on the 东精影业 Mānoa softball team. As a student-athlete, Lum had long days on campus and her time was split between athletics and academics. Playing college softball taught the former Rainbow Wahine that no one wins alone, and success is a team effort. Lum says that with her long days, having structure helped her to build discipline and resilience. She also learned to ask for help and rely on mentors, which is a habit she took with her into the workforce.

Lum shared that Young Brothers believes in investing in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 future. Since 2006, in partnership with Saltchuck Giving Hawaiʻi, the company has funded scholarships at Shidler, 东精影业 Mānoa鈥檚 College of Engineering and Honolulu Community College, with more than $562,000 awarded to students.

“Supporting higher education means creating opportunity,” she said. “It means ensuring that local students have a pathway to thrive right here at home.”

For the entire story and more stories like this, .

After more than two decades of leadership at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Vance Roley plans to step down as dean of the . A national search for his successor will begin this fall.

Roley, who also holds the title of First Hawaiian Bank Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Management, has served as dean since 2005. Under his leadership, the college experienced significant growth in academic reputation, philanthropic support and international recognition.

“Serving as dean of the Shidler College of Business has been the greatest privilege of my career,” Roley said. “Over the years, I鈥檝e been fortunate to work alongside dedicated business leaders, alumni, donors, faculty, and staff whose support and guidance have strengthened our ability to educate and empower the next generation of business leaders. Transformative partnerships, catalyzed by Jay Shidler鈥檚 visionary gift, have elevated our programs, facilities, and global reputation in ways that will benefit students for generations to come. As I transition from the deanship, I鈥檓 excited to return to the classroom—reconnecting with the heart of our mission by teaching and mentoring students.”

One of the defining achievements of Roley鈥檚 tenure was his partnership with alumnus Jay H. Shidler, whose transformational gifts to the college now total approximately $238 million. These donations, made in cash and real estate ground leases, represent the largest individual contribution in 东精影业鈥檚 history and the second-largest known gift to any U.S. public university business school. The funding has helped expand faculty endowments—starting with six to now 43, increase scholarships, enhance student services and support strategic programs at the college.

Other milestones during Roley鈥檚 deanship include:

• The 2019 reintegration of the (TIM School),which brought more than $1.5 million in new scholarships and six faculty endowments. The TIM School is now ranked No. 14 in the U.S. and No. 32 globally by the 2024 Shanghai Ranking. It also placed among the top 15 U.S. hospitality and tourism programs and No. 46 in the world in the 2024 Quacquarelli Symonds rankings.
• The 2023 opening of the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center, a first-of-its-kind, award-winning live-learn-work innovation hub available to students across all 10 campuses of the 东精影业 System. Managed by Shidler鈥檚 , the center houses 374 students and features co-working spaces, meeting rooms, prototyping labs, and entrepreneurial programming.
• Significant capital improvements across campus, including the renovation of the Eddie and Elaine Flores, Jr. Courtyard and the transformation of the Sunset Reference Center at the TIM School into a modern, collaborative student space. Through the Visionary Initiative, the college has also upgraded numerous offices, classrooms, and common areas to enhance the student experience and honor the legacy of alumni and supporters.
• Establishment of several major academic initiatives, including the Direct Admit Program, which attracts more than 100 high-achieving first-year students directly into Shidler as freshmen; an undergraduate entrepreneurship major; new graduate programs such as the Distance Learning Executive MBA, Master of Science in Finance, Master of Science in Marketing, and Master of Science in Information Systems; and a doctoral program at the TIM School.
• Since its launch in 2001, the Vietnam Executive MBA Program (VEMBA) has flourished under Dean Roley鈥檚 leadership—growing beyond its founding location in Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, and, in 2024, expanding to a hybrid format that reaches professionals across Vietnam. Today, VEMBA boasts nearly 1,000 graduates, including 100 expatriates representing 20 countries.
• More than $1 million in scholarships awarded annually, along with substantial financial support for study abroad experiences that empower students to gain international perspective and cultural understanding.
• A robust career services program that facilitates approximately 500 internships each year, providing students with real-world experience and valuable industry connections. On average, 40% of students secure full-time job offers before graduation, and three months after graduation, approximately 91% of Shidler students are fully employed, with 89% working in fields directly related to their major.

“Vance Roley has been an exceptional, forward-thinking leader with an astute relationship building skillset that has transformed the Shidler College of Business into an academic and philanthropic powerhouse that is now globally recognized for its innovative entrepreneurial programs and its well-prepared graduates,” said Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Vance for most of his time here at 东精影业 Mānoa and he has certainly set a new standard of excellence at Shidler and his departure will leave us with large shoes to fill. I wish him well on his future endeavors.”

Before arriving at 东精影业, Roley served 21 years at the University of Washington, where he was acting dean and held the Hughes M. Blake Professorship of Finance. He previously worked as an economist and assistant vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and served as a senior economist on the President鈥檚 Council of Economic Advisers.

Roley holds a PhD and MA in economics from Harvard University and a BA in economics and statistics from the University of California, Berkeley.

A search committee to find Roley鈥檚 replacement has been formed and campus leaders anticipate the job will be posted in September. College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka will chair the search and Isaacson, Miller has been selected as the search firm.

Hundreds of University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa business and travel industry management students are graduating with job offers in hand, thanks to 鈥� robust internship and career development programs.

The at Shidler has successfully placed approximately 450 students in local, national and international positions. Approximately 91% of Shidler students are fully employed or enrolled in advanced degree programs, with 89% working in fields directly related to their major three months after graduating.

Students enrolled at the (TIM), which rejoined Shidler College in 2019, are required to complete two internships totaling 400 hours, ensuring that graduates enter the workforce with strong résumés, industry experience and robust professional networks. This real-world experience lays the foundation for a successful career launch in a competitive job market. On average, 40% of TIM students secure full-time job offers before graduation.

Building confidence, gaining clarity

Students consistently report that internships are among the most impactful parts of their academic journey, and national research indicates that having a high-quality internship significantly reduces graduates鈥� underemployment. These experiences allow them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, build confidence and gain clarity about their career goals. Many said the internships helped them discover new passions, refine their skill sets and secure full-time positions.

“Employers value our interns for their professionalism, preparedness and eagerness to learn,” said Vance Roley, dean and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership and Management. “They frequently note that our students arrive with a strong foundation in teamwork and business fundamentals and are ready to contribute meaningfully to projects. For many employers, internships also serve as a pipeline for future hires, with several offering full-time roles to their interns upon graduation.”

Early opportunities for experience

Shidler鈥檚 career services team recommends that students begin to explore their career options early, and that they take advantage of the college鈥檚 many industry-facing activities, such as the biannual Shidler Career Expo.

Rick Varley, Director of Internships and Career Development, noted, “Most importantly, treat every internship as a learning experience—not just a job. Ask questions, build relationships and reflect on what you enjoy.”

Internship placements directly support Hawaiʻi鈥檚 workforce by preparing students to contribute immediately and effectively in their fields. Most TIM graduates remain in Hawaiʻi after graduation, filling local talent pipelines with well-trained professionals. Frequent interaction with local industry leaders, such as annual mentoring events including and , along with strong partnerships with employers ensure that student preparation is responsive to workforce needs.

This initiative supports a vibrant, sustainable economy in the state, and is aligned with 东精影业鈥檚 workforce development efforts, one of the core pillars of the 东精影业 System Strategic Plan.