HPU Travel Industry Management Special Event Held 28 April 2005
HPU's Travel Industry Management program hosted its annual special event in April to allow students to interact and network with industry professionals.
Few places are better suited to study the hospitality industry than Hawai'i, one of the world's greatest tourist destinations. Hawai'i Pacific University plays an active role in Hawai'i's hospitality and travel business, drawing from local industry resources to maintain the university's Travel Industry Management (TIM) program.
HPU's TIM program hosted its annual special event, April 28, at the Waialae Country Club. The event creates a venue for students to showcase their creative presentations from their TIM classes to industry guests, faculty, and fellow students. It also provides an informal setting for students to meet and learn from leaders and decision-makers in the travel and hospitality industry in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The annual event helps to open doors and establish professional relationships by providing TIM students and industry professionals a chance to network and meet each other.
Dr. John Kearns, dean of the College of Business, kicked off the night with a special welcome in English and Pidgin! Student groups then shared three presentations chosen by TIM professors, Dr. Jerry Agrusa, Dr. Joseph Patoskie, and Wendy Lam. Each group was given a situation, some commissioned by actual Hawai'i companies, in which the students worked with a budget, solved critical problems, and presented their business plans.
The Travel Industry Management Student Organization (TIMSO) shared what the group is all about through a song to the tune of "YMCA" by the Village People. The 2004-05 TIMSO president, Karin Wanscher, then passed the torch to the newly elected executive board.
"The industry representatives seemed excited to be there and see the training and enthusiasm of our students," said Dr. Kearns. "I think the presentations really made the difference."
As dinner was served, TIM students interacted with industry professionals from all around Hawai'i. Those in attendance included representatives from ASTON Hotels & Resorts, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Orbitz.com, Roberts Hawai'i, Tiki's Grill & Bar, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, Marriott, Hawai'i Executive Planners, Aloha Airlines, the Maui Hotel Association, and many more.
The industry professionals are supportive of HPU's TIM program in many ways. They provide internships, employment, and scholarship opportunities to HPU students. Many have also served as guest speakers and guest judges in TIM classes, sharing their expertise and experiences with students. Students learn from these professionals through listening, discussing, and working with them, combining theories with practical applications. The unique partnership equips students with valuable experience and applications in addition to classroom learning.
One of the most comprehensive travel programs in the Pacific, the TIM Program at HPU offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The curriculum is designed to provide students with instruction from distinguished industry professionals for management positions in the areas of hospitality and tourism.