VALERIE BROWN, 1966-68

Home: Nashville, TN

Current occupation: Speech pathologist

Past jobs/life situations that have contributed to the richness of my life: Every job I have held has been a learning experience that has shaped my life and personality.

Hobbies/passions that I enjoy: Cycling, pilates, yoga, languages, travel

What made/makes the Golden Girl position so special: The Golden Girl positions was well-marketed by the genius bandmaster, Al Wright. The reputation of the GG was shaped by the first six Golden Girls who preceded me. It was well established that they were attractive, voluptuous blonds who could garner attention and applause just by showing up, with or without a baton. My appearance as No. 7 probably created quite a disappointed buzz among the Purdue football faithful - average looks, bleached blonde hair and sexy as a slice of bacon. I definitely had to show up with a baton. Each subsequent Golden Girl has brought her own special style and expertise to the "job." Marketing is the key to the specialness; without it, the Purdue Golden Girl would be just another twirler.

How being Golden Girl has shaped/impacted my life beyond Purdue: Imagine thousands of people watching you; imagine dropping your baton; imagining the band director telling you, "Anyone can drop their baton. Don't drop it again or your Golden Girl days will be over;" imagine the pressure of subsequent performances. Now imagine your carefree college life being replaced by a truck-load of intensity. To this day, I am nothing if not intense.

Favorite memories from being Golden Girl: 350 guys and 24 twirlers - great odds/fond memories! Now transport 50 of those guys and six twirlers to Venezuela, and you have the potential for some genuine hilarity. While we performed in every venue imaginable, bull rings proved to be one of the most eventful. We changed costumes in the bull ring tunnels, frequently receiving more attention and applause for undressing and dressing than for our actual performances. Any semblance of modesty soon took a giant leap. We attempted a fire baton routine on one breathtakingly hot day and were so sweaty that one or two batons were inadvertently extinguished when they passed dangerously close to an armpit. The list goes on, and on...

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