The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s School of Travel Industry Management (TIM School) at the Shidler College of Business held its 20th Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala on Thursday, April 7, at the Sheraton Waikiki. This year’s event honored Chef Roy Yamaguchi and TIM alumnus Dave P. Evans, who have each made significant and long-term contributions to Hawaiʻi’s tourism industry. The event also raised more than $260,000 for student scholarships at the TIM School. This year marked the first in-person Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism event since 2019.
Legacy in Tourism award
Yamaguchi was honored with the Legacy in Tourism award for his many contributions in the community, as well as helping to put Hawaiʻi’s diverse culinary scene on the map. Yamaguchi is the celebrity chef and founder of a collection of restaurants, including Roy’s Worldwide, Eating House 1849, Humble Market Kitchin and GOEN Dining + Bar. He is the first Hawaiʻi-based chef to receive the prestigious James Beard “Best Pacific Northwest Chef” award and has earned numerous top honors throughout the years.
Yamaguchi has attracted worldwide attention to Hawaiʻi’s culinary community, and has appeared on national and international television shows, authored various cookbooks and co-established the popular Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival, which has garnered more than $3 million to support local community organizations. He recently served as a guest lecturer for the TIM School in 2021, offering up-and-coming entrepreneurial students the opportunity to learn from one of Hawaiʻi’s most prestigious chefs.
Alumni Hall of Honor award
Evans, a professor and department chair of the Hospitality and Tourism Department at Kapiʻolani Community College, was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor. The recognition honors his professional accomplishments and commitment to the TIM School. He has served as department chair since 2009 after working for nearly four decades in the hospitality field. Evans also served on the TIM Alumni Association Board as a director and was president of the board from 2006–09.
Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism is the largest fundraiser in support of the TIM School, with proceeds benefiting student scholarships. This year’s event raised more than $260,000 thanks to the generous support of the hospitality and Hawaiʻi business community. Hawaii Business Magazine served as 2022 media partner.
To support the TIM School or Shidler College, contact Kristi Bates, executive director of development, at kristi.bates@uhfoundation.org or (808) 445-3164. Visit this website for more information and bios on this year’s honorees. For a list of past honorees, visit the TIM School website.
This event is an example of UH Mānoa’s goal of Enhancing Student Success (PDF), one of four goals identified in the 2015–25 Strategic Plan (PDF), updated in December 2020.
