Over 70 members of Trojan League of South Bay, including four charter members, gathered on November 14 to celebrate the USC alumnae group’s 50th anniversary. The party was held at Michael’s Tuscany Room, in San Pedro.
Under the counsel of the USC Alumni Association, TLSB was chartered on October 31, 1974, when Palos Verdes was considered “out in the country.” It was the fifth Trojan League established in southern California. Members of TLSB, then and now, are residents of the South Bay, from El Segundo to San Pedro.
The group was formed to connect South Bay USC alumnae to each other for social events and educational activities, and to the university. They also hosted forums for potential USC students, their parents, and their high school counselors. In later years, the organization added fundraising for scholarships for current USC students from the South Bay. Their most successful fundraising endeavor has been Lesal Ceramics, created by Palos Verdes artist Lisa Van Nortwick. In just a few years, sales of the hand-painted items enabled the group to establish a healthy endowment fund.
The 50th celebration included slides showcasing members and events of the past half-century, a video with interviews of several charter members, and an oral review of the group’s history. A silent auction offered USC-themed items and a painting by Art Bartner. Bartner, a Palos Verdes Estates resident, retired recently after 50 years as director of the Trojan Marching Band. A performance of ten members of the Trojan Marching Band highlighted the evening and ended the festivities on a spirited note.USC alumnae wishing for more information about Trojan League of South Bay may contact Sylvia Mehl, President, at sylviaannmehl@gmail.com
