DAWN VARDAMAN, 1995-96

Home: Highlands Ranch, CO

Married name: Dawn Groves

Husband's name: Scott Groves

Children: Jadon Groves

Current occupation: Business Partner Manager, AMCO Water Metering Systems, Ocala , FL

Past jobs/life situations that have contributed to the richness of my life: After graduating from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University with a BS in Management, I began my career in sales with Schlumberger in Tallasee , AL . After two years I was transferred to a field office in the San Francisco area. During my years in California I met my husband at an industry tradeshow. We are both in sales in the water industry. We moved to the Denver area last year to continue our careers. With the move to Denver I changed companies and am now working in sales for AMCO Water, handling the western region from my home base in Denver , CO .

Hobbies/passions that I enjoy: Traveling, camping, aerobics, friends, family, being a wife and mother

Still involved in twirling? During my years in California , I became certified as a USTA judge. Unfortunately, I have not had any opportunities to be involved in the sport since my move to Denver.

What made/makes the Golden Girl position so special: The position really gave me an opportunity to let my talent be seen every week and during every appearance. I particularly enjoyed all the people I was able to meet and the great friendships I made while at Purdue.

How being Golden Girl has shaped/impacted my life beyond Purdue: I began performing and competing as a baton twirler at the age of 5. When our family moved back to Indiana when I was 8 we began to attend Purdue football games every year as a family. Of course, my favorite part of the day was watching the twirlers and band perform at Slayter Center , the pre-game and half time show and completing the day at the fountain. I knew then that I wanted to go to Purdue and perform as the Golden Girl. With this goal in mind, I became more disciplined in my practice time and learned how to "juggle" many obligations as I went through school. All of this preparation and excellent coaching prepared me well to make a smooth transition into college life and then continue to a successful business career.

Favorite memories from being Golden Girl: My first memory was the day I actually was chosen as the Golden Girl. I had realized a goal that I had set as a young competitive twirler. This happened after I had marched on the line, as a Silver Twin, and as the Girl in Black. I also was allowed to march with my natural hair color.I'm a brunette. My dad still keeps the picture from the Purdue Exponent with the caption "Brunette But Golden Nonetheless" in his office.

The Ohio State trip.both bands took the field at the same time during halftime.dueling bands. Their twirling drum major and I had a bit of a competition going.awesome!

The Slayter shows and leading the band across campus on game days is hard to compare to any other experience. It is quite a feeling!

Another great memory is the first time I took the field for the pre-game show as the Golden Girl. What a rush to come onto the field, hear your name announced, see it on the "big screen" and be able to represent Purdue University.

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