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E-Newsletter Archive

E-Newsletter ~ August 26, 2005 ~ Vol. 6, No. 1

This is the first regular mailing of the USC University Club E-Newsletter for the 2005-2006 school year. We want to keep you informed of special events, new menu items, seasonal specials, recipes and any news that we think will help you get the most from your membership. This and past issues of our newsletter are available online all the time at http://www.universityclub.edu/

Contents:

1. Welcome Back!
2. University Club Staff Changes
3. Meet-4-Lunch
4. Pre-Game Buffets
5. **Free Tickets with Dinner**
6. Save the Date! Cultural Events on Campus
7. September International Buffet Day
8. Reciprocal Club of the Month
9. Recipe of the Month



1. Welcome Back!

The USC University Club extends a warm welcome back to all of its members! We hope your summers were not only stimulating, but relaxing. As fall beckons, the Club has been busy organizing a series of fascinating noontime talks by notables from the faculty and administration.

On Wednesday, October 12, 2005, the club will be partnering with the Women’s Faculty Club to present a lunchtime talk by Dr. Jean Morrison, esteemed earth sciences professor, and Director of Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). Dr. Morrison’s presentation will take place in the Club’s Banquet Room. Call Stephanie Helper (X05208), USC University Club programs coordinator, to book your reservation. A nominal fee for lunch will be charged.

On Thursday, October 27, 2005, the USC University Club will present Senior Associate Athletic Director Carol Dougherty, who will give a complete update on the Galen Center, the exciting new 300,000 plus square-foot multi-dimensional athletic facility currently under construction at the southeast corner of Jefferson and Figueroa. This event will take place in the Pub Room and space is limited to 40. Call Stephanie Helper early (X05208) to secure your spot. Cost for lunch will be $13 for members and $15 for non-members.

British Table Meets on Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Reserve your spot now at the British Table in Room E at noon. The members of the British Table all share a common connection to the U.K. Whether you studied in England, were brought up in Australia, or you are, in fact, British, the British Table wants your company. Lunch is a la carte. Again, call Stephanie Helper (X05208) to reserve.

On another note, it is never to early to start thinking about your holiday celebrations! We have already received a number of inquiries for large events in December so if you are planning on having a party for the holiday, call us soon! We don't want you to be left out!!

Watch this newsletter for new member programs and opportunities to partake of the bounty of cultural and intellectual activities on campus throughout the year. We promise to keep you updated!

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2. University Club Staff Changes

As most of you are aware by now, Katherine Fincher has left her position as Member Programs coordinator for the University Club effective August 17. Katherine's husband has been assigned to Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia and they will be moving there shortly. I think you will all agree with me that she did an amazing job in her two years with the club and that her presence will be missed by us all.

In case you missed the farewell reception for Katherine on August 17, allow me to introduce Stephanie Helper, our new Member Programs Coordinator. Stephanie graduated from USC with a B.A. in Communications Arts and Sciences in 1978, and immediately started working at Rogers & Cowan in the Literary Division, setting up national book tours for such authors as Danielle Steele, John Dean, Steve Shagan, and many others. She then went to Ruder Finn, where her accounts included special projects for LACMA and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. She served as part of the publicity team for three Oscar broadcasts on ABC-TV, writing press releases, setting up star-studded press conferences and working with the worldwide media on Oscar night. Stephanie has also freelanced as a business and corporate communications writer. Be sure to stop by and say hi next time you're in.

I am also happy to announce the hiring of Rebecca Rother, our new catering assistant manager. Rebecca has been working mostly in the movie catering business the last 12 years so she knows what it takes to get your event where it needs to be on time! In her first month with the club, Rebecca has brought a new level of professionalism to that department.

In addition, two long term club employees have new responsibilities beginning this fall. First is Andy Ortiz, who has been with the club for over 35 years! Andy is our new Dining Room Manager and will be responsible for all facets of the restaurant service. Second is Leticia Aguilar who has over 20 years of service to the club. Letty has taken on the responsibilities of Banquet Assistant Manager and will be in charge of all events that take place in the Club banquet rooms.

Welcome and congratulations to everyone!!

I am very excited about these additions and changes and feel that they will go a long way in providing our members with the high level of service to which they have become accustomed.

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3. Meet-4-Lunch

Ron Orr, associate athletic director, will kick off our 2005-2006 Meet-4-Lunch series on Tuesday, September 27, 2005, at noon in Room E. Ron will discuss the inner workings of the USC Athletic Department, as well as answer any questions you may have about USC athletics. There is room for 8-10 guests, so please call Stephanie Helper (X05208), programs coordinator, to make your reservation now. Lunch is a la carte.

If you have an idea of who you might want to meet for lunch, please email Stephanie at helper@usc.edu, and she’ll try to put it together.

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4. Saturday Football Game Buffets

We will be open again this year before all home games for a buffet and after some games for cocktails and complimentary hors d' oeuvres. We will keep you posted as to times and menus as they become available.

There is one scheduled home game in September against Arkansas on Saturday, September 17, 2005. Game time is 7:15 p.m. Stop by the USC University Club for one of our classic pre-game buffets featuring yummy food and cocktails, beginning at 4:00 p.m. (There will be no post game bar after the game).

Menu

~~~

September 17, 2004 vs. Arkansas
Kickoff 7:15 PM

~~~

Pre-Game Buffet
4:00 pm Until Game Time

~~~

Barbecued Baby Back Ribs
Hot Link Sausages
Barbecued Quarter Chicken
Homemade Baked Beans
Cole Slaw

~~~

A Variety of Salads,
Breads and
Fresh Fruits

~~~

Iced Tea / Coffee

~~~

Members $15.95 per person
Non-Members $19.95
Tax and gratuity not included

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5. **Free Tickets with Dinner**

Thursday, September 22, 2005
USC Thornton Chamber Orchestra

Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Bovard Auditorium
Admission: Secure your tickets for this Thornton School event when you make dinner reservations at the USC University Club for you and your entire party. (Please call early, tickets are limited).
Otherwise: General, $18; Seniors and non-USC students, $12; Free admission at the door for those with valid USC ID.

Under the direction of Yehuda Gilad, Thornton music director, this group of students presents a smaller, more intimate evening of music including Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9.

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6. Save the Date! Cultural Events on Campus

Wednesday, September 7, 2005
What Matters to Me and Why – Prof. Lois Banner


Time: 12:00-1:00 PM
Location: Ground Zero Coffee House/University Park Campus
Admission: Free

USC history professor Lois Banner will share her take on “What Matters to Me and Why,” a hugely popular monthly series featuring USC faculty and administrators talking about what is important to them and why. The program encourages reflection about values, beliefs and motivation in the lives of those who help shape our university.

Thursday, September 15, 2005
USC Thornton Symphony Honoring Flora Thornton


Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Bovard Auditorium
Admission: $18 general, $12 students and seniors, Free admission at the door with valid USC ID.

In his first concert as principal guest conductor, Carl St. Clair, music director of Orange County’s Pacific Symphony, leads the Thornton Symphony in a special concert honoring Flora Thornton. The evening’s highlight will be a violin concerto and Ein Heldenleben by Richard Strauss.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005
USC Spectrum: The Yuval Ron Ensemble


Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Alfred Newman Hall
Admission: $20 general, $10, USC Faculty, Staff and seniors, $5 USC students with ID

This ensemble’s performance, as spiritual as it is diverse, honors the sacred musical tradition of Judaism, Sufism (Islamic mystical tradition) and the Christian Armenian Church. A composer and world-music record producer, Yuval Ron discusses the ancient and deep inter-cultural connection between the three traditions and the musical influences they share.

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7. September International Buffet Day

Our next International Buffet Day, September 28, 2005, at the University Club, will feature authentic Spanish cuisine with all the classic flavors and ingredients the people of Spain enjoy every day.

The menu:

Sopa de Ajo (Garlic Soup)
Crema de Pimientos de Tres Colores (Tricolor Pepper Bisque)

Arroz la Marinera (Mixed Seafood Paella)
Pinchitos Morunos (Spicy Pork Kabobs)

Patatas Bravas (Roast Potatoes with a Spicy Tomato Sauce)
Escalivada (Mixed Grilled Vegetables)

Catalan Custard

Make plans now to be there for lunch and come early! These buffets have become a very popular lunch day for many members...

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8. Reciprocal Club of the Month

Featured Club: Introducing “The Goodenough Club,” our first reciprocal club in London, England.

Featured Club: Introducing 'The Goodenough Club,' our first reciprocal club in London, England.

Located in Mecklenburgh Square, Goodenough College has been referred to as "the hidden jewel in London's Crown." It is known for its unique and stimulating environment and diverse student body.

The Goodenough Club is the College’s Senior Common Room. It’s mission is to enable faculty and staff from all universities world wide to have a home away from home in London.

Together the College and Club offer sabbatical accommodation as well as quality short stay accommodation in a tranquil and exceptionally beautiful setting for senior academics and professionals visiting London.

Contact Information:

Manager: Noelle M Vickers

Goodenough Club
23 Mecklenburgh Square
London WC1N 2AN

Tel: 0044 (0)20 7837 8831

Email: noelle@goodenough.ac.uk
Web site: http://www.club.goodenough.ac.uk

Tips for Planning Your Visit a Reciprocal ACUC Club:

Please call the USC University Club Business Office at 213-740-8345 to request an ACUC card. Before visiting a reciprocal club, please remember to telephone ahead to introduce yourself as a member of the USC University Club, confirm the club’s hours, services and make reservations. Individual clubs may have restrictions in the use of their facilities or in the frequency of visits. When you call, be sure to inquire about any restrictions that may apply.

To find out more about the ACUC network of clubs or to find a club in or near your travel destination, please check the ACUC website at www.acuclubs.org frequently for the most up-to-date information.

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9. Recipe of the Month

Tangy Watermelon Beef Skewers
(From Kitchen and Cook, July 2005)
Serves 4 or 5-8 appetizer portions
We came across the recipe a month or two ago and have really enjoyed the flavor combinations it provides for a warm summer evening. We have found it easy to prepare and have received rave reviews. Try it with saffron rice and some grilled squash.

11/2 lb. beef flank steak or filet mignon
11/2 cups cubed and seeded watermelon
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup lime juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. minced ginger root
1 tsp. chili paste
2 tsp. soy sauce
1/2 cup minced scallions
2 tsp. salt
2 cups cubed watermelon (½-in cubes)
8 lime wedges

1. Split the steak lengthwise and cut against the grain into1/2-in. thin strips; place into a re-sealable plastic bag.

Puree the watermelon cubes in a blender. Simmer the watermelon and sugar in a saucepot until reduced by half (about 1 cup of syrup). Combine the syrup, with ketchup, lime, garlic, ginger, salt, chili paste soy sauce and scallions. Cool mixture to room temperature. Pour over flank steak strips, seal bag and marinate for 1-8 hours.

2. Remove meat from the marinade and thread lengthwise onto bamboo skewers, alternating with watermelon cubes.

3. Heat grill to medium-high; grill each side for about 2 min, until cooked medium-rare. Serve with lime wedges.

Enjoy!!!

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That about wraps it up for this issue.
Be sure to say hi next time you're in.



©2004 The University of Southern California