Purdue's Golden Girl ranks among the nation's best twirlers and is at the top of her art form. This talented performer is selected by audition each April, and serves as a leader of the "All-American" Marching Band as well as an ambassador for Purdue University. Recognized nationally for her unique talents, this coveted position has roots going back to the early history of Purdue Bands.

The tradition of the Golden Girl was begun in 1954 during the era of quarterback Lenny Dawson, whose poise on the field prompted the press to nickname him Purdue's "Golden Boy." At the same time, Dr. Al G. Wright (now Director of Bands Emeritus) brought his first twirling protégé to the field, Juanita Carpenter, who earned the title of "Golden Girl."

When Dawson graduated Purdue was left without a "Golden Boy," but Carpenter's graduation didn't have the same effect on her title. Instead "Golden Girl" evolved into a movable crown that's been passed down through generations , and the position has become the standard for excellence within the twirling community. MerrieBeth Cox, from Roselle, IL, is Golden Girl #27.

In 2004 Purdue Bands celebrated the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Golden Girl Tradition. To commemorate this special event a special area of the website was dedicated to honoring the former Golden Girls. The information from this site was kept and can be found here.

Juanita Carpenter 1954 - 1955
Sandra Hutchinson 1956 - 1958
Addie Darling 1958 - 1960
Teddy Darling 1962 - 1964
June Ciampa 1961 - 1962 and 1964 - 1965
Sherry Carden 1965 - 1966
Valerie Brown 1966 - 1968
Selita Sue Smith 1969 - 1973
Linda Hughes 1973 - 1976
Kathy Burke 1976 - 1979
Susan Fron 1979 - 1982
Sally Batina 1982 - 1983
Valerie Ludwick 1983 - 1987
Candice Nogle 1987 - 1988
Dawn Beck 1988 - 1989
Kim Ratcliffe 1989 - 1990
Holly Fehrman 1990 - 1994
Alisha Bane 1994 - 1995
Dawn Vardaman 1995 - 1996
Ann Loppnow 1996 - 2000
Abby Moore 2000 - 2001
Erin Ansfield 2001 - 2002
Robyn Andrews 2002 - 2003
Christy Jayne Stallings 2003 - 2006
Meghan Lamontagne 2006 - 2007

Tierney Brown 2008

MerrieBeth Cox 2008 - present

In 1962, another solo twirler position was created to compliment the Golden Girl. June Ciampa was the first to fill this position. Dressed in Purdue's other color, black, she first performed as the International Twirler. This title was later replaced with "Girl in Black." The Girl in Black is Meg Merdian (left) of Troy, MI.

Identical twin sisters Sara and Chellie Zou (right), of Elkhart, IN take on a special role as novelty twirlers for the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band. The position of Silver Twins was created by Al G. Wright in 1960 for identical twins. In auditions for the position, identical twins will be given preference but twirling duos may also compete.

Purdue Bands, long known as the "cradle of twirlers," continues its commitment to nurture the art of twirling with its Twirling Team. This team of qualified twirlers works together with a student captain and the Auxiliary Advisor to choreograph and execute routines that complement the marching band shows in the fall. In addition, they perform at campus and community functions and select basketball games at Mackey Arena during the spring semester. An appearance at the Indianapolis 500 is the culmination of their performance schedule each spring.

More than just a dance line, or a pom-pom squad, the Golduster Dance Team tackles many different performing duties as part of the "All-American" Marching Band. Jazz, rock and roll, Broadway, ballet, and even a touch of cheerleading complement the Goldusters' performances. Members work together with three student captains and the Auxiliary Advisor to create high-energy routines that fit the various themes of the marching band shows. Besides football games, the Golduster Dance Team also perform in parades, stage shows and at Mackey Arena.

Adding to the visual impact of the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band is the "All-American" Golden Silks. This group adds splashes of red, white, and blue during the pregame performances for football and traditional black and gold during the variety of halftime shows. Known for their precision and style, the Golden Silks members bring the marching band's music to life through intricate routines that visually interpret the tunes. Two student captains create the choreography for the Silks which performs as an integral part of the marching band at home football games, campus and community events, at the Indianapolis 500 and at Mackey Arena.

More information on the Purdue Auxiliaries can be found at: purdueperformers.com

(PurduePerformers.com is not maintained by Purdue University Bands)

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