“The USC Spirit of Troy Marching Band”

USC Trojan Affiliates, a philanthropic and social women’s group, of the University of Southern California invites alumni, parents, and friends to attend their upcoming meeting on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Mijares Restaurant, 145 Palmetto Drive, Pasadena. Social reception begins at 6:00 p.m. with the dinner at 7:00 p.m. followed by the program, and meeting. The evening will feature Cynthia Wiese, Executive Assistant to Arthur C. Bartner, USC Band Director, speaking on “The USC Spirit of Troy Marching Band”.

Cynthia Wiese was drawn to USC because of the Trojan Marching Band. Born in Orange County and raised in San Diego, Cynthia excelled in her high school marching band where she was given the title “most spirited” her senior year. Because of this strong connection to marching band, her mother encouraged her to attend USC since they have “The Greatest Marching Band in the History of the Universe.”

Cynthia’s career at USC started her freshman year working for the USC Dining Services department. She moved up to positions in Auxiliary Services and eventually became the assistant to the vice president of business affairs in 1994. She then took a position with the USC Care Medical Group in 2002 to help open the Healthcare Consultation 2 building which led to a position with the USC Office of Compliance. At the end of 2005 she was offered a position with the USC Band; back where it all began.

As a member of the Trojan Marching Band, Cynthia held positions of squad leader, section leader and recruitment manager where she increased membership by 20%. She currently serves as the Executive Assistant to Arthur C. Bartner where she manages the budget and fundraising activities for the band. The band must raise more than 75% of its operating budget from USC alumni, parents and friends.

Cynthia is also a member of Town and Gown of USC, and Trojan Affiliates and in 2013 she received the USC Alumni Association Volunteer Friend of the Year Award.

An active member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses since 1995, Cynthia served as vice chair for the Tournament Entries, Judging, and Music committees. Other committees for which she has served include Special Events, Post Parade, Community Relations and Parade Operations.

When football season is over, Cynthia enjoys traveling, gardening and trips to Disneyland.

Robin Phillips, serving in her first term as Trojan Affiliates president, encourages the community to attend the October meeting to become acquainted with the members of Trojan Affiliates. The members meet five times a year in the San Gabriel Valley and are educated by various USC professors and other well versed and interesting speakers. Members also donate their time to raise greatly needed funds for scholarships for worthy USC students. The organization awarded ten scholarships for the 2019-2020 academic school year. Volunteer opportunities include selling USC products, volunteering at the Pasadena Showcase House, USC Day of Service, and more. Of course, the members also participate in a variety of social and cultural events and interface in numerous capacities with the University.

The formal purpose of this alumnae organization is to foster a spirit of friendship, loyalty, and cooperation with the University of Southern California, to develop and sustain a successful fundraising project in order to provide scholarships for USC students and contribute to the advancement of education.

Trojan Affiliates will also host a Holiday Boutique and Dinner on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at the Altadena Town and Country Club. Please look for additional information in this newspaper and/or contact Kandi Wopschall at wopschall@earthlink.net to receive an invitation.

If you would be interested in being a speaker at an upcoming Trojan Affiliates meeting, please contact Speaker Chairman, Jacqueline Goodman at jtgoodman@aol.com.

For further information regarding USC Trojan Affiliates and/or to make a reservation for their October 3rd meeting at $33 per person, please contact Sarah Sismondo by September 25th at (626) 303-7284 or sisarah@verizon.net.