Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/25/2025
(EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ) - /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly one year after opening its permanent home at American Dream, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) announces its next class of Jersey legends. The list of 17 inductees includes Grammy-nominated Pop Rock Band Jonas Brothers, Restaurateur and Chef David Burke, Olympic Gold Hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and former New Jersey Devils Goaltender Martin Brodeur.
The inductees will be honored at the 17th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony taking place on November 21, 2025, at The Rink @ The Arena at American Dream, tentatively hosted by Danny DeVito. This homecoming celebration for these Garden State greats will be enhanced by year-round programming that honors the lasting impact of inductees from the Class of 2025 and previous years.
"As we approach the first anniversary of our permanent home at American Dream, this incoming class reflects the very best of New Jersey's talent, grit, and influence," said Jon F. Hanson, Chairman of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. "These inductees have made an extraordinary impact in their respective fields and continue to inspire generations."
"This year's class of inductees remind us of what it means to be Jersey strong and resilient," said Steve Edwards, President of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. "They showcase the incredible range of talent that has come out of New Jersey, from global icons in entertainment to pioneers in sports, public service, and enterprise. We're proud to honor these heroes who inspire generations to be the best versions of themselves."
The 17 inductees were chosen from 60 nominees after a public vote. The Hall of Fame reserves the right to announce other inductees at a later time.
The New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is:
Arts & Letters
* Dana Bash, CNN Chief Political Correspondent, Anchor of "Inside Politics with Dana Bash" and Co-Anchor of "State of the Union with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash"
* Mary Alice Williams, Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist, a founding anchor of CNN, and former anchor for NJTV News
Enterprise
* Frank Bisignano, CEO & chairman of the board of Fiserv and the current commissioner of the Social Security Administration
* Chef David Burke, renowned restaurateur and culinary innovator
* Lawrence R. Inserra, Jr., chairman & CEO of Inserra Supermarkets, Inc.
* Zygmunt "Zygi" Wilf, businessman, real estate developer, chairman and co-owner of the Minnesota Vikings
Performing Arts & Entertainment
* David Bryan, keyboardist for rock band Bon Jovi and Tony Award-winning lyricist and composer
* The Isley Brothers, Grammy Award-winning music group
* Jonas Brothers, award-winning pop band
* Michael Uslan, lawyer and executive producer of the Batmanmovie franchise
Public Service
* John Keegan, chairman and CEO, Charles Edison Fund and Edison Innovation Foundation
* Sheila Y. Oliver**, New Jersey's second Lieutenant Governor and the first woman of color elected to statewide office in the state's history
* William E. Simon**, businessman, philanthropist, and former United States Secretary of the Treasury
* David T. Wilentz**, former Attorney General of New Jersey and founder of law firm Wilentz, Goldman, and Spitzer
Sports
* Martin Brodeur, former ice hockey goaltender and current team executive for the New Jersey Devils
* Hubie Brown, former basketball player, analyst, and two-time NBA Coach of the Year
* Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles
** Being honored posthumously.
Because everyone needs a hero, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey, and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted 16 ceremonies for more than 240 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. The NJHOF endeavors to present school children with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence. The NJHOF is thankful for the support of its many sponsors, like Hackensack Meridian Health, without which none of our endeavors would be possible.
EVENT PREVIEWS
37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival to Take Place June 27-28, 2026
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to celebrate the 37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The tradition of being the tri-state area's largest outdoor juried art festival - and the largest in Pennsylvania - will continue as Main Street hosts approximately 300 different local and nationally known artists and crafters.
Carteret's Independence Day Festival to feature country star Walker Hayes
(CARTERET, NJ) -- One of New Jersey's most popular Independence Day Festivals will take place in Carteret's Civic Center Park (100 Cooke Avenue) from 6:00pm to midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026 in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America's 250th Anniversary Year
(WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA) -- Washington Crossing Historic Park (WCHP) in Pennsylvania plans to host an expanded Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 4:00pm to 9:30pm featuring immersive living history experiences, family-friendly activities, live music, and the return of fireworks over the Delaware River. Designed as a community-wide celebration of America250, the event is intended to create a meaningful space for residents and visitors to commemorate this historic milestone year. Please note: Admission is required; registration is recommended only for the 4:00pm ‐ 8:00pm Living History Program. The evening concert and fireworks are free and open to the public; no registration is required to attend those portions of the event.
Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.
Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
