Sweet Sally G

Sally, seated in the middle of all of her girls.

Our beloved Sally Giauque passed away last week. This morning, many of my sisters will gather in Toledo to remember her life, and I will be remembering them all from afar.

The self-proclaimed "guardian" of Kappa Kappa Gamma, she fiercely protected our name, and taught us to be better women in our etiquette and our attitudes. In many ways, Sally was my Hillsdale grandmother. She was ready with hugs whenever she arrived, she always checked in to make sure a certain young man was treating me right, and she patted my hand at the dinner table when discouragement over my Anatomy and Physiology grades became tears that I couldn't hold back. "They are not who you are—you know that and I know that," she said.

Sally had shoes for every outfit, and an outfit for every occasion. I remember her little red flats with pink bows for Valentine's Day, and her stunning blue-and-blue outfits. Of course, Sally G was more than her classy wardrobe. She was intent on teaching us manners and on preserving tradition.

Sally graduated from Hillsdale, married a Hillsdale graduate, and served our school and our chapter for over sixty years. Sally Giauque taught me that there are many institutions greater than ourselves, and that the ties that we enter into require love, respect, nurture, and lifelong dedication. We must give to that which has made us and given us so much, just as Sally gave her life to Kappa Kappa Gamma and to her girls in Kappa chapter.

When I wear my badge now, it will be over a heavier heart. This woman's constant presence taught us so much, and she will be dearly missed.

Sweetheart, sweetheart of mine and sweetheart of KKG
Sweetheart say you'll be mine, mine for all times to be
Say that you'll love me when we're gray and old
Say that you'll cherish this dear badge of gold
Sweetheart, sweetheart of mine and sweetheart of KKG