FALL 1990 VOLUME:61 LITRES THE BC FIJI ISSUE: 1848 JIM'S BACK AFTER FIFTY YEARS! GRADUATE LUIMCHEOIM AT HOUSE On Monday September 24. the active brothers enjoyed the treat of hosting a luncheon, at the chapter house, for the brothers of the graduating years 19.^6 to 1940. The lunch was organized by Brother Jack Charlton "38 to honour Jim Usher "40. whom most had not seen for .30 years. Brother Usher left British Columbia for Ontario upon his graduation from the University, and has lived there since. The active brothers were proud to note that, the following Sunday. Brother Usher was the official starter for the annual U.B.C. Arts "20 relay, in which he held a lap record in 1936. As one can imagine, the graduate brothers in attendance enthusiastically relived social and sporting events of years past. This was equally enjoyable for the active brothers who were regaled with stories inspired by the old photographs that some of the brothers had brought with them. The sense of continuity of Phi Gamma Delta was illustrated to the younger brothers as they heard tales of brothers" experiences 50 years ago which they still share today. The event was attended by 12 graduates in all - 10 Fijis and two friends. The actives were delighted to host the older brothers and look forward to seeing them all at the 62nd annual Norris Pig Dinner in November. The lunch was a great success and we can all anticipate that it will become a yearly tradition. The brothers at the house stand mesmerized by Christopher J. Bardon '91 Brothers Jim Usher and Ray Taylor - 50 years ofBrotherhood! the unveiling of the new Fijiflag. Jim Usher andfriends enjoy the luncheon at the Fiji house. 'fraternity row' elsewhere on campus with new FRATERNITY LAND SWAP CONSIDERED For about two years, a group of U.B.C. fraternity Alumni have met regularly to discuss the future of fraternity housing at U.B.C. Currently, eight fraternities reside "on campus" - four on Wesbrook Mall, three (including Phi Gamma Delta) on Agronomy Road, and one on Toronto Road. Seven of the fraternities lease their lands from the Provincial Government, at nominal rates, while Beta Theta Pi owns its lot. The leases have expiration dates ranging from 2004 to 2017. It is uncertain whether or not the Government will grant further leases to the fraternities. Grant Burnyeat, a Deke, has led these discussions while graduate brother Darren Donnelly has attended in behalf of Phi Gamma Delta. The group has had informal discussions with the U.B.C. Real Estate Corporation, the University, and the Provincial Ministry of Crown Lands. The University appears interested in acquiring the fraternity lands for development purposes. As the University already controls the lots in between the fraternity houses, the commercial potential for the area is tremendous. Keeping in mind the over-riding goal of long term security for the fraternities, the graduate group has put forth a proposal to the University which, in general terms, suggests a trade of the fraternity houses to the University for a permanent houses, all at no cost to the fraternities. The University seems to be interested. At this state, talks are very preliminary - but for political and practical reasons, it may be in the best interests of the University and the fraternities to move swiftly. In order to do so, each fraternity must be able to reach quick decisions. One of the steps to make this possible for Phi Gamma Delta is the holding of a general meeting of the Phi Gam active and graduate chapters. This meeting will be held at the Norris Pig Dinner on November 16, 1990.(See Notice of General Meeting). All brothers are encouraged to attend. Fraternally, Darren Donnelly \r\nPRESIDENT'S LEHER EDITOR'S NOTE It is with great pleasure that Pi Gamma brings forth this issue of the B.C. FIJI, after a prolonged period since its last publication. We offer our sincere apologies for the tardiness of our efforts. Much has occurred since the previous issue; in this issue we hope to chronicle events which we think will be of interest to all brothers. We look forward to the publication of the next B.C. FIJI in the Spring of '91. Your graduate contributions to this next issue would be greatly appreciated and would make for a more-rounded newsletter. We are concerned about the under-representation in these pages of brothers from certain eras. We are interested in knowing about your activities and would like to share them with all the brothers from Pi Gamma. It is our desire to show that Phi Gamma Delta is "not for college days alone"! Please submit any articles or information to; Scott Fromson Graduate Relations Chairman c/o Fiji House 5785 Agronomy Rd. Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1L9 or call (604)228-1499 RUSH AND PLEDGE EDUCATION ROUND-UP The end of the 1989-90 school year saw an extraordinarily large number of brothers graduate. The Pi Gamma chapter needed a strong rush in the Fall of "90 to remain one of the top fraternities on campus. In order to pledge the most interested and quality men available, we continued to hold a dry rush (one of only three on campus). The enthusiasm of many graduate and active brothers helped to attract 34 pledges anticipating the excellence our Fraternity has to offer. Special mention must go to this year's Rush Chairman. Jay Trant '91, who lived and breathed rush for a month. The prosperity of rush can also be attributed to the condition of the Chapter House as can be seen in the accompanying photo. During the summer and the first week of school, the brothers Spent countless hours power-washing . painting, digging, chopping, laying carpet and generally cleaning up. The result is a full house with 3 graduate brothers and 5 pledges living in. During the summer, 4 brothers attended the 132nd Ekklesia in Chicago Illinois. Fond memories and valuable information were brought back to the chapter and can only serve to strengthen it. (The brothers tell me Comiskey Park was experienced as the Blue Jays beat the White Sox, and, even with the Cubs on the road, Wrigley Field had some late night visitors.) Over the weekend of October 20-21, many brothers attended the Tri-Section Convention held in Moscow, Idaho. The theme was "REDEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE", and the brothers found this trip to be fun and educational. In terms of the Chapter's immediate direction, we have been focussed on improving Scholarship and Graduate Relations. The former will be discussed by our Scholarship Chairman, Jonty Bogardus '93. A Big step has been taken in an effort to improve Graduate Relations with the formation of a Board of Chapter Advisors, led by David Armitage '80. This group is in good hands as Brother Armitage received the Durrance Award in 1989 as the most outstanding Purple Legionnaire for his work at the Chi Alpha Chapter in Calgary. As evidenced by this newsletter the Graduate Relations Committee has been re activated! We have made a goal to publish two newsletters per year. This is not unreasonable, but we need graduate help in order to make it more interesting for you. In an effort to include more graduate information in each publication, it would be appreciated if you each could take the time to fill our the enclosed questionnaire and mail it to the house. As well we encourage you to visit the house and you would be tnore than welcome to set up a luncheon or the like for a group visit. The last point of business I would like to bring up is: This September, for the second consecutive year. Pi Gamma chapter held a dry rush. The boozesoaked rushes of past years are gone and we are now able to meet interested young men in a sober social environment. As well, we are able to save money that was in past years spent on alcohol. From a risk management perspective, we eliminate both the liability associated with the serving of alcohol to minors and the risk of drinking and driving. All three rush functions ran smoothly; rushees were most impressed by the enthusiasm of the many brothers who met them. The turn-out at the all-important third rush was excellent and the chapter is indebted to the many graduate brothers who attended. Thanks also go out to Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins, who graciously volunteered their beautiful house for this event, and to Rush Chairman Jay Trant '91, for the invaluable time and effort he put into ensuring that this year's rush ran successfully and smoothly. The end result of our rush efforts was the pledging of 34 sterling young men on September 26. In the following weeks the pledges will undergo a rigorous and informative pledge education program, culminating in their initiation into our chapter in mid-January. During this period, they will be tested on their knowledge of the history, organization, and ideals of the fraternity and this chapter. They will also PIG DINNER When; November 16. 1990 Where: Time: University Faculty Club Cocktails: 6:00 p.m. Dinner: 7:00 p.m. (After dinner festivities will follow at the chapter house) Cost: $45.00 Please contact the following brothers for tickets: David Armitage David Smith 641-3435 Darren Donnelly 922-0548 Greg Descantes 643-3115 737-2094 David Mills 684-0311 Mike Kidd 731-5881 Brian Dunster 432-5286 Ray Taylor 263-1433 I hope we can make this one of the most successful PIG DINNERS ever. Perge! Fraternally. Chapter President Pi Gamma of Phi Gamma Delta FIJI SPORTS REPORT The sports year of 1990-91 has thus far been a successful one for the brothers of Pi Gamma. To start the Intramural Sports year, the Fijis rode to victory once again in the infamous Logan Cycle 200 bicycle race, winning both the university and fraternity divisions. Following this victory, the Fijis showed up in flying colours for the Arts '20 Relay, with our only pledge team finishing a respectable fourth place. Moreover. Pi Gamma is well represented in a mass array of other sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, ball hockey and ice hockey. execute social service, house improvement, and social projects so that they may be better aware of the magnitude of their commitment to Phi Gamma Delta. Through the course of the pledging period, the pledges will come to have an understanding and. consequently, a deep love for Phi Gamma Delta. Graduate brothers may rest assured that the future of the fraternity is safely placed in careful and capable hands at Pi Gamma. Scott Fromson "91 Mil Ihicl Priuu i \r\nOnce again Pi Gatntna has fared well in CAMPUS FRATERNITY REPORT Graduate brothers will be pleased to hear that the Fraternity system at U.B.C. is still strong and, indeed, is growing. The number of young men pledging fraternities has increased 369f, from last year. Althouch Greeks comprise only 3.1 Vr. of the student body, their influence is proportionately great, in areas such as student politics, sports, and general catnpus spirit. This Fall, Delta Upsilon Fraternity recolonized after many years of inactivity on campus. It is reassuring to know that the Greek way of life continues to thrive at U.B.C. despite societal pressures against fraternities and sororities. FIJI GOLF CLASSIC Hoy! Hoy! The First Annual Fiji Fall Golf Classic and Vehicular Homicide Cart Driving Tournament took place at Campbell River's Sequoia Springs and Storey Creek Golf Clubs on September 29-30th. A full field of 13 Grads and 2 undergraduates competed for a showroom full of fabulous prizes, not to mention the pride of claiming the title of "best golfer" among such a field of iron wielders. Leading the charge were Mark Trepp placing members on the U.B.C, Interfraternity Council, Fijis were elected to four out of nine positions, continuing the tradition of strong involvement in the l.F.C, Fijis elected were Gary Bobroff "93, First Vice President; Scott Fromson "91, Secretary: Ian Doddington "92, Social Events Co-ordinator; and David McConnell '92, Social Service Coordinator, We hope that our involvement in this council will be of benefit to the entire Greek system and will show others on campus that we are not in university for social reasons alone, BRIAN DUNSTER '80. Section Chief of Section XXXVII. was recently married this Spring and is happy Scott Fromson "91 to announce the hinh of their first child. PALL "BAXTER" BAINS '89 was recently manied and is managing the Coast Discovery Inn, located in lovely downtown Campbell River. mowing down 3 sets of helpless clubs in pursuit of Shamoo Mitchell, Saturday evening, after our first round of golf, Paul's lovely wife prepared a home cooked meal for the whole gang. The boys then proceeded to paint the town purple by hitting all of the local bars, Geoff "you can pour water on me but I'll still pretend I'm asleep, even in the middle of Boston Pizza" Wong '89, John "dammit, 1 wish 1 could spell his name" Van Cuylenborg "89, Tony Wild "E, Coyote" "2001, Andrew "Farley" Mowat "88, Craig "70"s sugar "90 and Rick Eastman "89 who both shot 87"s on shack head tenant" Haziza "89, Anthony the treacherous and mightily wooded Storey Creek on the final day of play. 1, Brent Lee "90, shot a sparkling 88 on Sunday but after adding strokes for my hand wedge and 2 strokes per hole for carrying clubs with silhouette grips, 1 finished with a disappointing 134. Consequently, my score was not enough for one of the lovely pairs of golf shoes provided bv SPORTS "Quadruple Bogey" Bertuzzi "86 , Pat "Power fade- 1 need a power saw" Reid "91, and Richard "Willie Mays" Hayes "91 were also all in attendance for this sport spectacular. On the heavily wooded Storey Creek, many balls went M.l.A. (Paul Bains: 18 balls, I driver), Paul Hodge "89 refused to get his camera INTERNATIONAL'S C.E.O. Se'an Mitchell "89. losing it in the bushes along with everything else The happily married Paul "Baxter" Bains "89, manager of the Coast Discovery Inn, Campbell River, provided the entertainment on the heavily watered first day of play by throwing Bart Corbett "90 from the golf cart and then CLEMATIS CLIPPINGS from the car on the back nine because he feared CRAIG HAZIZA '89 and RICK EASTMAN '89 are both working for Gammon International in the commercial real estate division. It's good to see brothers working together, even after graduation! CHRIS WHITE '90 is another brother working in the lucrative field of commercial real estate. Chris is at Coldwell Banker. DON ISAAK '88 is a member of the Board of Directors of the Non- Partisan Association. Don works at Realtech Realty Corp. DAVID "SKEETS"EYRE '88 is a sales representative for Best Foods. ROY AGOSTINO '87 is currently working in Toronto for Nike Canada. JOHN "J,C," CROWLEY '86 is teaching maths and sciences and coaching athletics at Sentinel Secondary School in West Vancouver. TREVOR FOWLER '90, MIKE LIBBY '90, and ALLAN KATES (Western Ontario '90) are all attending U.B.C. in first year Law School. JOHN "J,V,C," VAN CUYLENBORG '88 is in second year Law at the University of Victoria. STEVE BURNETT '90 is in first year Medicine at the University of Western Ontario. NINDY DUGGAL '88 is in first year Medicine at U.B.C. he hit. On the ferry ride back to Horseshoe Bay Sean Mitchell raffled off the fabulous prizes provided by his sports store. Sports International (29th and Dunbar), 1 would like to take this opportunity to thank him for the lovely sleeve of golf balls 1 won. They far surpass the 4 pairs of golf shoes and 2 golf bags given away. We'll see you all next year at the First Annual Fiji Fall Classic Skins Game. (Tony Wild will somehow show miraculous improvement and take the cake). Once again, thanks to al for a fine showing and proving that Fiji is not for college days alone. Regards,(Fnilernally! - ed.) ROGER QUICK '88 is in the first year of the M.B.A. program at U.B.C. TODD "JUNE BUG" MARTIN '89 is in first year M.B.A. at Western Ontario. BROTHERS: We would like to know what you are doing in your lives so that we may keep our brothers informed. We would especially like to hear from older brothers. Tell your brothers what you are doing, be it marriage, promotion, election, selection, appointment, annointment, engagement, retirement, birth or anything else that you feel may of interest to your brothers, old and new. Ple.ise submit any information to Scott Fromson (2281499) so that we may include it in the next edition of the B.C. FIJI, due out in the Spring of "91. Brent Lee '90 SOCIAL REPORT Our chapter's diversity in sports does not end here, however, as some of the brothers are members of various Varsity teams. Included are brother Mark Batho "93 who is on the Ski team, and pledge brothers Cedric Burgers "93 and Jeff Hambleton "94, both members of Varsity Rowing teams. In addition, the Phi Gams have taken a swing in the right direction, as five of eleven members of the Varsity Golf team are from Pi Gamma. They are brothers Tim Coutu "93, Robin Mulholland "91, Eraser Mulholland "92 and pledge brothers Craig Doell "93 and Jamie Ivers "93. The spirit ol Pi Gamma is strong as is seen in the vast sports participation and striving for excellence. The year should be as promising, if not more, than those remembered in the past. Perge! Eraser Mulholland "92 Sports Chairman The past year has been a good one socially for Pi Gamma. Adhering to our "work hard, play hard" philosophy, we have managed to fit many social events into our busy schedules. The social year opened with a party featuring "The Dawn Patrol ". This event was successful prepared by the girls, are auctioned off to the brothers, with the money going to charity. Dancing in the main room of the hou.se followed. We had our first exchange of the new year with the Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Delta Pi, and Gamma Phi Beta sororities. The exchange had a western theme, complete with square dancing and a dance caller. Early March marked the annual Pi Gamma Black Diamond Ball, held this year at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown in reuniting the brothers after the long Summer vacation. After pledging, the new probationers were serenaded at the house by the new sorority pledges, who in turn had the pleasure of hearing the Fiji Vancouver. After an excellent buffet dinner, the brothers and their dates enjoyed a slide show, some speeches, and an evening of dancing. The end of the year event was pledges sing. November saw the first exchange w ith the Phrateres. The event is day of classes. know n as "Box Dinner", where dinners, breakfast with the Phrateres, held on the last Brenton Brown "93 \r\n1989 RUSH/PLEDGE EDUCATION REPORT Last fall marked the first time in recent Pi Gamma history that we conducted a dry rush. Due to International's risk management policy, the use of alcohol was prohibited during the rush period. Despite our initial concerns. Phi Gamma Delta was the pledges an idea of the degree to which we care for this place. They got the message. The rest of January saw the pre-initiation tension mount as our pledges were forced to evaluate their commitments to Phi Gamma Delta. On January 27, 1990 we initiated 22 men in what was an leader in rush at U.B.C. in 1989, pledging more excellent initiation that was constructive in and new men than any other fraternity on campus. Thus, the pledging period began that Wednesday night in early October, with a group of itself. Finally our wandering stars were able to Join in the bright light that is the Pi Gamma Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. of new wandering stars. As the pledges became acquainted with the chapter, their excitement grew. The pledge meetings gained some focus as they elected their pledge cabinet and began to brothers of Pi Gamma Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta that an Extraordinary General Meeting of the active and graduate chapters will be held as follows: Place: Date: University Faculty Club 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 16, 1990(At The Norris Pig Dinner) The purpose of the meeting will be: 1. To advise the chapter regarding the possibility Christopher J. Bardon '91 of relocating U.B.C . fraternities; and 2. To appoint a negotiating commitee authorized to represent and report to the chapter on the matter of relocation. administer their own affairs. Soon pledge brotherhood began to form through sporting events and particularly Kid-Nap, when the pledge class banded together to attempt to evade NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the above time and place the Annual General Make Meetings of the Pi Gamma Housing Corporation and Fiji Heritage Fund will be conducted. The financial positions of both bodies will be presented and directors and the infallible Purple Net. Grass Skirt exposed the pledges to some of our rituals and was enjoyed by all (as always). The January chapter chapter in depth, provided an opportunity for officers will be elected. The Extraordinary General Meeting and Annual General the pledges to comment on how they viewed the chapter. This had the effect of instilling in the and you are encouraged to do so. retreat at Evans Lake, where we discuss the SCHOLARSHIP REPORT Scholarship, which in the past has been one of Pi Gamma's more over-shadowed committees, has finally come into its own! This year, it is leading the way in the pursuit of the high ideals of Phi Gamma Delta. We are undertaking a variety of new initiatives in an attempt to Meetings are open to all brothers to attend viable tutor program for our new pledges. The academic achievement of these new pledges is of paramount concern to the Scholarship Committee at this time. Besides the tutor program, we have instituted mandatory study nights and have made the pledges" big brothers responsible for their respective little brothers' grades. As well, a pledge will work with the Scholarship encourage the brothers to attain new levels Committee to facilitate communication of academic excellence. This will inevitably lead to an increased vitality for between the actives and the pledges. From this, we will make sure that all pledges obtain the whole chapter. the 65% grade average necessary for The committee began by initiation into this chapter. updating the exam files and course In the meantime, the committee evaluation cards, and instituting awards for continues to focus its energy on ensuring that the "Scholar of the Week". The collection all of the brothers fulfil their purpose for attending this university: "The Pursuit of of student transcripts at the beginning of the school year will have two important Knowledge"! results. First, it will enable the chapter to observe how it truly compares to the expected average for this campus and to the Perge! Jonty Bogardus '92 Scholarship Chairman other Fiji chapters across North America. Second, and probably more importantly, it will allow this committee to institute a Through the efforts ofRichard Hayes '91 and Jay Tram '91, Pi Gamma is proud tofly the Fraternityflog on our newflag pole. IN MEMORIUM It is with great sadness that we mark the passing ad astra of Blythe Eagles and Pearley Brissenden, two formative members of Pi Gamma chapter of Phi Gamma Delta. Brother Eagles passed away July 11, 1990. Brother Brissenden passed away at home December 28, 1989. Brother Eagles was bom in 1902 in New Westminster and graduated from U.B.C. in 1922 with double honours in biology and chemistry and a minor in agriculture. He was a charter member of the petitioning Alpha Gamma Phi, and was initiated into Phi Gamma Delta with the installation of Pi Gamma chapter on Saturday October 5, 1929. Brother Eagles obtained his M.A. at the University of Toronto and went on to get his Ph.D. at Yale University. He returned to U.B.C. in 1927 to teach. He became head of the department of dairying in 1933, and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture in 1955, which he retained until retirement in 1967. Brother Brissenden was bom in Flora, Illinois on December 18, 1901. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics in 1931. Brother Brissenden petitioned Phi Gamma Delta in behalf of Alpha Gamma Phi at the 79th Ekklesia of December 1927 in White Plains, Missouri. He became Pi Gamma's first Historian upon chapter installation. Brother Brissnden was called to the British Columbia bar in 1934 and was appointed Queen's Council in 1956. He retired from the law firm of Douglas, Symes, and Brissenden in 1984 after 50 years in the legal profession and maintained an office at the firm even after his retirement.