University of Lynchburg

Donald W. "Donnie" Vaden '76 was a standout baseball player for some of Lynchburg College's most successful teams and played professional ball for one summer, but he is best known for his work in the world of basketball.

An accomplished basketball official, Vaden began his refereeing career while a student at LC. He shortly moved into collegiate officiating and got the call to carry his whistle in the NBA in the late 1980s. Vaden officiated more than 900 NBA games, including and NBA Finals and All-Star Game before moving into management. He later served as the head of officiating for both the NBA and WNBA.

Now semi-retired, he runs a successful consulting business for basketball organizations and officials.