USC Trojan Affiliates Hosted Fall Meeting Featuring Chris Erskine

The USC Trojan Affiliates, a philanthropic and social women’s group affiliated with the University of Southern California, kicked off their first general meeting of the year on Thursday, October 10, at a local restaurant. The evening’s highlight was a keynote speech from former Los Angeles Times columnist and author, Chris Erskine.

Erskine, who spent 30 years at the Los Angeles Times as an editor and writer, covered a wide range of topics including sports, travel, politics, family, and entertainment. He was part of three Pulitzer Prize-winning teams for breaking news, but he is perhaps best known for his humorous and heartfelt reflections on suburban life. In 2018, Erskine released Daditude, a collection of his favorite Times columns on fatherhood. His most recent book, What the Bears Know, released in 2023, quickly made The Times best-seller list. Additionally, he contributed to Perfect Eloquence, a book celebrating the legendary Vin Scully. A native of Chicago, Erskine’s career also included stints at newspapers in New Orleans and Miami. He continues to write weekly columns for eight newspapers in the Los Angeles area, including The Outlook in the San Gabriel Valley.

Renowned for his wit and storytelling, Erskine captivated the audience with his anecdotes, particularly about his second grandchild, Thomas Patrick. With humor, he shared how the child’s potential sports team affiliations might be influenced by his family’s divided loyalties—his father is a Jets fan, while other relatives support the Chicago Bears and Cubs. Erskine joked about the “genetic predisposition” of sports fandom and the challenges it can present, referencing his recently published column in the San Marino Tribune. His personal reflections resonated with the audience, particularly for those who share the joys of grandparenthood.

Ayuko Siegel of Glendale, who is serving her second term as Trojan Affiliates President, encouraged local women to explore the opportunities offered by the organization. Trojan Affiliates meets five times a year in the San Gabriel Valley, hosting speakers ranging from USC professors to other distinguished guests. Members not only engage in educational programs but also contribute their time and efforts to fundraising initiatives, primarily to support scholarships for deserving USC students. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the group awarded six scholarships.

Volunteer opportunities abound for members, including selling USC products at events such as Swim With Mike, the San Marino Motor Classic, and the upcoming Annual Holiday Boutique and Scholarship Dinner on November 14 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. The group also participates in events like the Pasadena Showcase House and USC Day of Service, while enjoying various social and cultural gatherings that strengthen ties with the university.

The formal mission of USC Trojan Affiliates is to foster a spirit of friendship, loyalty, and cooperation with USC, while developing and sustaining fundraising projects that provide scholarships for USC students. Membership is open to alumnae, parents, friends, and anyone who shares a passion for supporting the university and advancing education.