Delta Upsilon - Western Ontario

Website

Submitted by Paolo Campisi on 12/08/11 06:08:00 PM

Brothers & Guests,

The Chapter is moving our hosting to a new server, we will be ultilizing web technologies such as WordPress and MediaWiki as our main content management systems. During the downtime you will be redirected to our Twitter page.

Cheers

Movember Wrap

Submitted by Paolo Campisi on 12/01/11 04:45:00 PM

The Brothers are proud to announce they finished the month of Movember by raising $2,647!!! The Fraternity would like to thank all our generious donors and our significant others who put up with some less than tasteful mustaches! We can't wait till next year!

Brother Dixon '86 - Toronto Star

Submitted by Paolo Campisi on 11/22/11 12:19:00 AM

BLACK ROCK CITY, Nev. - Here's an Idea for you: Go Deep.

Deep into your psyche. Figure out who you are, what's right or wrong in your life, where you lost your inner child. What you lust. What you fear. What you need.

When photographer Jim Rankin and I prepared to roll into the Burning Man event, "Deep" was not on our

agenda. We thought we'd see a freak show, have a party on the playa, see lots of naked women and write some

gonzo journalism. ... Read More

BLACK ROCK CITY, Nev. - Here's an Idea for you: Go Deep.

Deep into your psyche. Figure out who you are, what's right or wrong in your life, where you lost your inner child. What you lust. What you fear. What you need.

When photographer Jim Rankin and I prepared to roll into the Burning Man event, "Deep" was not on our

agenda. We thought we'd see a freak show, have a party on the playa, see lots of naked women and write some

gonzo journalism. We even arranged for Jim's wife, Michelle, and my partner, Julia, to join us on Friday

after all the work had been done.

The Burning Man press office, when we applied for credentials, emphasized we would have to participate

in some way in this event — not merely come as observers. We thought that meant "party" — because

there's no shortage of that on the bed of Lake Lahontan, flat as a pancake and currently dry as a

bone.

If you're looking, you can find anything — anything — at the camps in this temporary city. You can go fly

kites with the folks from the Department of Tethered Aviation. You can go to the "Jiffy Lube" for a quick

orgasm (its playa logo is "Get in, Get Off, Get Out").

You can go to the Black Rock City Immigrant Camp, where many of the grey set (and there are plenty of older Burners) acclimatize. With more than 450 such camps, you can do anything your psyche desires. No one will judge you, shame you, laugh at you. Instead they're likely to laugh with you.

Of course, I didn't know any of this, despite reading tons about Burning Man. Nothing prepares you — except

to experience it.

As our RV approached the gates, in the midst of a furious dust storm, I had an immediate sense we were

in for more than a party. I'm not normally in tune with what can only be described as human energy, but

there was more than dust in the air. Before us, Burners crossing the gates were getting out of their

vehicles and weeping, embracing. Some even shed their clothes.

When our turn came to approach the gates, our RV already filling with dust seeping through the vents,

we rolled down the window. A middle-aged man — radiating compassion and kindness — introduced himself

as "Blue Buddha" (many people have "playa" names they use for the duration of this week-long event). When he said "Welcome home," I felt like I was. Imagine crossing an invisible yet palpable border, one marking a transition from the real world to one a universe apart.

Since 1986, this event has grown from a small gathering to a mind-blowing event that is literally

impossible to convey in words. It is, as one Ottawa Burner told me, "like trying to explain colour to

someone who has been blind since birth."

By yesterday afternoon, 34,861 people from across North America and around the world had gathered and

built an instant city on a dusty ancient lakebed nearly 13,000 metres above sea level. They came here

to create what has been called an "experiment in temporary community." But they also came to experience

a spectacle of art and goodwill where every person is expected to "give" to the community for nothing.

Though there are rules and boundaries in Black Rock City, the atmosphere is one of total freedom of

self-expression. For some people, that self-expression means cooking gourmet meals and giving that food to

passersby. For others, it means producing massive, awe-inspiring works of art, getting them to this harsh

environment and setting them up for all to see. Most pieces are interactive, so the artist in everyone can

be part of the synergic spectacle.

On some subconscious level, I knew before coming that Black Rock City would produce more than a hangover. As

I packed gifts to barter or exchange, I started grabbing things that were important parts of my past:

jewellery I'd bought during a manic episode in China in 1995; an amber necklace I'd purchased in Moscow, where the seeds of that mania were sown by a hellish trip to the Chechen war.

The streets in this city are arranged alphabetically, from Amnesia through to Hysteria. We parked our RV at

the C4 camp: Crazy Canadian Cosmic Cats. It's located at 4:30 and Bipolar, something of a coincidence

considering my past manic episode (which occurred 11 years ago and was mercifully my only bout with that

beast).

Earlier in the week, "Camp Counsellor Brad" — a management consultant from London, Ont. — walked into

our RV to give us a crash course in what Burning Man is all about. Give, he said. Give of yourself, gift

people with meaningful things, and it will be returned to you.

He also said that wondrous, cosmic, spontaneous things can happen here. As an example, he told me about a

previous Burn he'd attended. He was at an installation called the Temple, an annual but ever-changing

installation where people go to mourn loss. They write notes and prayers to loved ones. They reflect. And

then, the day after they burn the Man, they burn the Temple. There is no cheering at that burn. When Brad had visited the Temple, there were hundreds of people inside. One of them was a female opera

singer. She began singing an aria so beautiful that everyone stopped moving, stopped talking. It was a

deeply meaningful moment for him, Brad said, and if I was receptive such moments could happen for me. Open

your mind, he said, to serendipity.

I had to turn away. Because I came to this trip carrying a heavy, unacknowledged burden. I lost my

sister Leona to a car crash on Labour Day of 2000. My brother Odell, awaiting a liver transplant, died in

the spring of 2002. And my wonderful father Lyle, along with Julia's terrific dad Alex, died on Oct. 14

of that same year. I have not truly wept since then.

When Camp Counsellor Brad went outside the RV, I followed him out. Voice shaking, I said I wanted to

ask about the Temple of Dreams. He told me he would get pieces of wood for myself and Julia. That we

should write what we'd like to say on them, then add them to a pile beside the temple. I broke down in

tears, and Brad — a stranger until an hour earlier — hugged me with compassion, acceptance. It was okay to

cry here.

In all honesty, the moment astonished me. I'm not a touchy-feely, group-hug kind of person. So this wasn't

like me. And yet it was me, once I allowed some of the barriers (which most of us acquire in the real world)

to start coming down. Though part of me had questioned during the first days whether this was some flaky,

new-age hoax, the moment was genuine. It was real.

Of the 450-odd (and some are truly odd) theme camps that have sprung from the desert in Black Rock City,

many are devoted to the healing arts. I cycled over to the HeeBeeGeeBee Healers, the biggest and best-known

of these camps. When I pulled up outside, I felt ashamed. Ashamed to reveal my grief to a stranger. It

also didn't look like quite the right spot. And so I returned to the RV, feeling heavier than ever. Like a

boulder was in my abdomen.

Then, from the RV door, I spotted them. Two women, alone, kneeling on the desert floor 150 metres away.

They were in prayer. Slowly, tentatively, I walked over and stood at a respectful distance. When the time

was right, I asked if I could speak with them. I told them of the losses, the pain, the guilt. I asked if it

was at all possible that they might help me.

Turned out they knew traditional native healing arts. And then they prayed with me, encouraged me to speak

directly to my loved ones. As the sage burned in a seashell, they washed the smoke up and over my body,

up and over my heart.

"You have a big heart," they said. "A good heart." Tears, many of them, fell on to the parched earth of

the playa, where they were immediately absorbed. I left that ceremony feeling less burdened, more

cleansed, than I have felt since my family, once huge part of me, died. I thanked these two, the gifted them with a necklace from China: a lovely silver fish.

"Thank you for reminding us why we come to this place," they said. "Feel free to find us if you'd like

to do this again."

I'd been told of a place here called the Grand Hotel Ashram Galactica. It's a luxury "hotel" with gorgeous

tent "suites," a concierge, and a warm, Buddhist-themed lounge. The "hotel" — which offers its

suites for free —has a policy of taking reservations on a first-come, first-served basis each night. You

can't pre-book. I didn't know of that policy. But I sure knew the odds of getting a room on Friday night, after Julia had

arrived, were slim. I saw a mailbox on their grounds (which included a bowling alley). I took out a small

notebook and jotted down a personal request in very official language. There was a special reason, I told

them, why I hoped they would accommodate this special request. I scribbled down my camp's address and slid

the book in their gilded mailbox.

The following morning, while Jimmy and I were working there was a knock on the RV door. Two women, carrying

a very fancy gold box, asked if a Mr. Scott Simmie was here. We're from the Grand Ashram Galactica," they

announced. Then they handed me a letter. "Dear Mr. Simmie: We are very glad to inform you that,

in spite of our policy against pre-booking rooms, we are able to offer you a room on the night of Friday

the whatever. We are planning to chill a bottle of champagne for you in hopes of a positive outcome.

Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to make your evening more enjoyable." It was signed by

the head concierge. (I gifted one of the messengers with the necklace of Polish amber. She beamed. Her

mom's from Poland.)

On Thursday night, a member of our camp — a fire-spinner from Vancouver — brought her mother and

aunt over for a chat. The reporter in me immediately thought it would be a perfect story: three members of

the same family, all here for different reasons. I went to get my recorder. But I thought, felt, that maybe we should talk about something else. So I told her about my experience with

the healers, how powerful it had been. This 60-something woman looked at me with astonishment. She

had come here specifically because of grief. I'm taking her sometime this weekend to meet the healers.

On Friday night, near the Temple, I proposed. The answer was Yes. And then, from the darkness on the

playa, some of our new best friends emerged with a bottle of wine. A gal with a beautiful voice began singing Peggy Lee's Fever.

As Camp Counsellor Brad says, you have to give in order to receive. And you have to go Deep — a lot

deeper than offering glo-sticks. It's a spirit that Burners try to take beyond Black Rock City when this

event ends and incorporate into their lives in the real world.

And so, this story, and the beautiful pictures from Jimmy, are our gifts to you.

Thanks for taking the time.

---------------------------

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Remembering a Brother

Submitted by Paolo Campisi on 11/14/11 01:46:00 PM

It is with great sorrow and regret that the chapter informs you of the passing of Brother Brad Dixon '86. A husband, father, entrepreneur and an integral part of our Fraternities rebuilding effort in London, he will be greatly missed.

The Brothers would like to extend their condolences to Brad’s family and friends.

Remembrance Day

Submitted by Paolo Campisi on 11/11/11 12:01:00 AM

Like many other Fraternities across North America members of our Brotherhood fought bravely to defend freedom and liberty. It is with the highest regard and deepest sympathy that we remember our Brothers who gave their lives during the Second Great War.

Let us honour our Brothers by living by the oath that we all share and never forget their sacrifice.

Dr. Douglas Fryer '33, Lieutenant George Albert Ponsford '37, Flight ... Read More

Founders Day - Nov 4, 2011

Submitted by Paolo Campisi on 11/05/11 03:04:00 PM

Founders Day 2011 was a great success. Brothers enjoyed the company of our Alumni at Ceeps where we shared food, drinks and a great time!

Movember - mobro.co/DeltaUpsilonUWO

Submitted by Paolo Campisi on 11/01/11 12:01:00 AM

The Undergraduate Brothers of Delta Upsilon have banded together to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer! During the month of November Brothers will be growing the most glorious (and hideous) mustaches you have ever seen! We welcome any Brothers to please join our team and help raise awareness for this critical mens health issue. By donating or sharing the link you are joining millions of men and women taking a stand against cancer so click: tweet, ... Read More

Homecoming Weekend

Submitted by Paolo Campisi on 10/03/11 08:12:00 PM

The chapter would like to thank Brother Brooks Bennett for taking such amazing pictures this weekend! As well as all the Alumni who came and donated to the Chapter! Over $200 was given out in cash prizes via the 50/50 draw and poker game! We look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Fall 2011 Pledge Class

Submitted by Paolo Campisi on 10/02/11 04:34:00 PM

The Brothers of Delta Upsilon are happy to announce the addition of 14 Asscociate Members to our ranks. They are: Zac Alperstein, Mitch Bartlett, David Chen, Michael Cisterna, Simon Clinton, Saleem Daya, Hadley Jenkins-Griffen, Nick Kumar, Cameron McKendrick, Alan Michaan, Brent Parsons, Kenrick Tom-Ying, Adrian Uthayagumaran and George Wong.

Alumni Poker Game

Submitted by Paolo Campisi on 10/01/11 03:29:00 PM

The Delta Upsilon Alumni Poker Game will be taking place at 294 Central Ave. @ 7PM this tonight. There is a $20 donation as well as 50/50 tickets being sold. There will be lots of food and drink so come early and stay late.

Dikaia

Look How Far We Have Come!

Submitted by Paolo Campisi on 09/17/11 02:41:00 PM

Look at the difference one year can make! The Chapter can't wait to have our Alumni back to see the house!

RUSH

Submitted by Paolo Campisi on 09/13/11 02:18:00 PM

It is that time of year again, Rush has already taken campus by storm. Over 50 undergraduate students have expressed interest in joining our Chapter, don't be afraid to come up to us on concrete beach or contact Jimmy Zhang @ (519)870-7580 for any information.

Tuesday September 13th 4PM - Football & Ultimate on UC Hill

Thursday September 15th 9PM - Tony Lee XXX Hypnotist Show @ The Wave (19+)

Friday September 16th 3PM - Labatt Brewry ... Read More

Homecoming September 30th - October 2nd

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 09/01/11 02:44:00 PM

Homecoming 2011 is quickly approaching and this is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your Brothers and to visit your beloved 294 Central Avenue.

Once again the DU House is the envy of the UWO Greek scene. After almost two years of intensive renovations the house looks fantastic - at least when it’s clean - which it will be for Homecoming.

The Chapter Room has been opened up by, creating a large space for entertaining. ... Read More

Homecoming 2011 is quickly approaching and this is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your Brothers and to visit your beloved 294 Central Avenue.

Once again the DU House is the envy of the UWO Greek scene. After almost two years of intensive renovations the house looks fantastic - at least when it’s clean - which it will be for Homecoming.

The Chapter Room has been opened up by, creating a large space for entertaining. The bathrooms are nicely tiled, and the walls are freshly painted. With energy efficiency top of mind, there are new windows, ample insulation and a fantastic heating system for those cold winter nights for when you don’t have a nice greek girl too snuggle up to.

Below is a list of all the exciting activities you can be a part of:

Friday, September 30th
Homecoming Kickoff & Alumni Gathering - 528 Princess Ave, 8:00 pm

Join your Brothers in preemptively kicking off Homecoming in style. Brother Dombroski is again graciously opening his doors, providing a first class welcome at his humble abode. Last year’s topics included the fantastic h’ordeuvres, craft beers and of course weddings, careers and babies.

Saturday, October 1st
Open House & Alumni BBQ - 294 Central Ave, 12:00 noon
Grab a burger and a cold one, and buy a stack of 50/50 tickets to help pay down our shiny new mortgage. The Actives will be happy to show you around and will hanging off your every word while you reminisce about days of yore. This is a family friendly event, so feel please bring your wife and kids.

What Else: Homecoming Parade (Richmond Street, 10:00 am), Homecoming Football Game (TD Waterhouse Stadium, 1:00 pm)

Sunday, October 2nd
Annual General Meeting - 294 Central Ave, 10:00 am
Another exciting AGM is upon us. Despite the plethora of activity over the last couple years we have managed towrap up our meetings in record time. With most of the renovations completed our conversations will be focused on the next steps and we’d love your input.

Your Brothers look forward to seeing you out. Please RSVP by September 26th, if you will be attending, and as always please spread the word.

Fraternally,

Brother Michael Daley
Western Ontario ‘05

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HOMECOMING 2011

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 07/22/11 01:21:00 AM

SEPT 29TH-OCT 2ND WEEKEND. Check back soon for details

Du Does 18

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 07/09/11 03:22:00 PM

Just a friendly reminder of the 7th Annual DU Golf Tournament coming up Saturday, August 6th at Turnberry Golf Club.

Price: $125
Location: Turnberry Golf Club - 10100 Heart Lake Rd, Brampton ON L6Z 0B4
Date: Saturday, August 6th
Tee-off: Beginning at 1:00pm
Dinner: All you can eat barbecue smoked baby back ribs!

Contact: Michael Daley michael.daley@live.com

DU Road Trip Summer 2011

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 06/02/11 03:13:00 AM

Recently four brothers; Roderick, Liam, Gabe and Justin roadtripped from Vancouver to California while visitng several DU chapter houses. We appreciate all the hospitality the Washington, Oregon, San Jose and Berkeley chapters had to offer. Great friends, great brothers, great time. Dikaia

Welcome New Initiates

Submitted by Paolo Campisi on 04/03/11 04:32:00 AM

The brothers of Delta Upsilon Western Ontario would like to officially welcome the latest new initiates Michael Ian Callahan, Jeremiah Pariag, Christian Hadad, Shaun Goffenberg, Liam Grue and Connor Woods. We are proud to call them our brothers.

DU Elects new VP Positions

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 11/29/10 03:06:00 PM

Congratulations to our newest VP positions, all the right people have been elected to the right places.

President

▪ John Cabral

VP Member Ed

▪ Jeremy Heppenstall

Finance

▪ Gabe Michaan (Sr.) ... Read More

MOVEMBER

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 11/09/10 04:02:00 PM

Every year the brothers of DU participate in Movember, brothers attempt to grow mustaches in hopes to shed light on prostate cancer. This year is no exception, we were able to raise over $1,300 we would like to thank everyone who donated.

A message from Mike

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 10/29/10 11:27:00 AM

Pictured above is a gruesome bunch. Rev Sage performs a memorable ceremony marrying Sugar Bear Hughes and Daisy Harper. Dave "Golliwog" Peat serves drinks, while Steve "Ayegor" Mann and Bob "Ploughboy" have a good time. The rest of these characters remain anonymous.

There's lot to look forward to in the days ahead.

Haunted Mansion
Date: Saturday, October 30th
Location: 294 Central Avenue at 1:00pm

This Halloween your Brothers are actually ... Read More

Haunted Mansion

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 10/25/10 05:07:00 PM

DU Western Will be hosting a haunted mansion for the Boys and Girls Club of London on Oct 30th 2010! Come check it out, volunteers are appreciated!

HOMECOMING 2010

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 10/01/10 01:26:00 AM

After years of good use by gentlemen like those pictured above, a facelift was definitely in order.

Below are a few highlights to look for during this year's festivities.

Friday, October 1st
8:00 PM – Alumni Gathering at
Location: 528 Princess Avenue
Kick things off at Brother Dombroski's. Wives and girlfriends are welcome – just be sure you don't bring both. After all, this isn't a DU "Crush" party.

Saturday, October 2nd
9:00 AM ... Read More

After years of good use by gentlemen like those pictured above, a facelift was definitely in order.

Below are a few highlights to look for during this year's festivities.

Friday, October 1st
8:00 PM – Alumni Gathering at
Location: 528 Princess Avenue
Kick things off at Brother Dombroski's. Wives and girlfriends are welcome – just be sure you don't bring both. After all, this isn't a DU "Crush" party.

Saturday, October 2nd
9:00 AM – Homecoming Parade
Location: Richmond Road
This event is fun for the whole family. Look for Brother Langeman '86, in his vintage 1969 Mach 1 Mustang. Shhhh… he's not registered but then again that's never stopped us before.

1:00 PM – DU Alumni Golf Tournament
Location: Thames Valley Golf Course
Cost: $50
Youth seems to be the trend for the 2010 tournament. With the weatherman calling for scattered showers, these gentlemen will certainly have some challenges with the flat-stick. Who will walk home with the coveted D.U.G.G.A this year?

1:00 PM – Homecoming Football Game
Location: TD Waterhouse Stadium
Cost: $22 - $37
Another family fun event. Catch up with old friends and cheer on our Mustangs as we put the hurt on Queens. Everyone knows, academics and Maclean's ratings don't count for much on the football field.

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM – Alumni BBQ
Location: 294 Central Avenue
Cost: Donations welcome
Fire up the new grills, and grab a beer. Catch up with some old friends and meet the next group of upstanding gentlemen. Rumour has it that the A-Channel will be stopping by, this could be your last shot at becoming the next Alan Thicke.

Sunday, October 3rd
10:00 AM – Pancake Breakfast
Location: 294 Central Avenue
Few things go better together than pancakes and Sunday morning. Pour yourself as much Aunt Jemima as you like, there's plenty of syrup to go around.

11:00 AM – Annual General Meeting
Location: 294 Central Avenue
This is your chance to learn what's going on, and decide if you want to help make a difference. We have a bright young Chapter, and we want to help steer them in the right direction.

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DU ALUMNI WINS COLUMBIAN ELECTION

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 06/20/10 08:50:00 PM

DU alumni Santos has won the Columbian Election. This brings the number of presidents/former DU alumnis up to 3 with Lester B Pearson (Canada), James Garfield (USA) and now Santos (Columbia). DU Represent!

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/06/20/world/americas/AP-LT-Colombia-Elections.html?_r=2&ref=world

CANADAS WORST HANDYMAN WRAPS UP SEASON

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 06/16/10 02:49:00 PM

Canada's Worst Handyman 5 wraps up their season, the brothers of DU would like to thank the TV show and Andrew Younghusband for their generous renovations to our house at 294 Central Avenue. You can watch reruns of the TV show at http://watch.discoverychannel.ca/

Fraternity Firsts

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 05/24/10 03:32:00 PM

Soon, DU might be the only fraternity with an American President, Canadian Prime Minister, and now possibly a Colombian President

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/may/23/jayhawk-leading-candidate-colombian-presidential-e/?city_local

Canada's Worst Handyman 5 Comes to DU

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 05/13/10 08:36:00 AM

Canadas Worst Handyman 5 comes to the rescue and renovates our fraternity house! Check it out

Watch it here

Past Alumni?

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 04/18/10 04:01:00 PM

Are you a past alumni at the Western Ontario Chapter? As part of our resortation project in improving our fraternity we are calling all past alumni to keep in touch. Email us your contact information or to set up an account so you will appear on our recent alumni page!

Graduation

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 04/15/10 06:04:00 PM

We would like to wish brothers Andrew Maciejewski & David Brown great sucess in their future endeavours and careers, Dikaia Upotheke.

p.s. we're glad no new pledges need to spell macie-jew-ski anymore

Taken a long long time ago, David Brown far left, Andrew Maciejewski far right

New Website

Submitted by Roderick Tom-Ying on 04/15/10 06:03:00 PM

We would like to introduce our new website. We hope this will be new portal where we can attract new brothers while allowing us to reconnect with old ones.

POLAR BEAR DIP 2010

Submitted by Laine Gambeta on 03/01/10 04:11:00 PM

Another great year, see video at

http://www.youtube.com/user/duguelph#p/u/4/9T38Je-zI_c

Textbook Exchange

Submitted by Scott Sickle on 01/07/10 11:46:00 AM

Gentlemen,

As many of you know textbooks are a huge expense that many of us incur year-to-year and as many of you can attest, selling and buying your textbooks used through websites such as "the cannon" can also be a pain.

For this reason I propose that we set us a textbook exchange at our first meeting of the new semester on January 13th. This can be a venue for many of us to exchange one textbook for another, or sell them ... Read More