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.
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EVENT PREVIEWS
RVCC presents Bill Blagg's Magic in Motion
(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- Local audiences will have the opportunity to explore how physical science creates magic when the Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College presents Bill Blagg's Magic in Motion on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 11:00am.
Victoria Clark, Norm Lewis, Tony Yazbeck, Rashidra Scott, and Lea DeLaria to Perform at George Street Playhouse Gala
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse (Christopher J. Bailey, Scott Goldman, and Laiona Michelle, Artistic Producing Triumvirate; Edgar Herrera, Executive Director) have announced the performers for their 2026 Gala Benefit, taking place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The evening will begin with a champagne reception and dinner at Stage Left/Catherine Lombardi followed by a cabaret and awards presentation at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
LIAR...LIAR - Live Storytelling with a Twist
(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- On the night of Thursday, May 8, 2026, four gifted storytellers will take the stage at the Invertas Brewing Company in Lambertville. Each will tell a personal, true-life story — or so they'll claim. The audience's job: figure out which one of them is lying.
Garden State Wine Growers Association presents SIPS, STARS & STRIPES: A NJ Wine Revolution on May 30th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) presents SIPS, STARS & STRIPES: A NJ Wine Revolution, an exciting and immersive wine event taking place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the historic War Memorial in Trenton. In partnership with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the NJ wine community is ready to celebrate America 250 at this truly historic moment.
State Theatre New Jersey's A Night in Lights Annual Benefit Gala to Take Place May 30th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey (STNJ) invites the community to its signature fundraising event, A Night in Lights Annual Benefit Gala, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Christopher's Restaurant & Bar located inside The Heldrich Hotel. This highly anticipated evening directly supports STNJ's arts education and community engagement programs, which serve more than 30,000 children and families each year.
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey to Celebrate Spring Exhibitions with a Community Day on June 6th
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will celebrate its spring exhibitions with a Community Day event. The day, which will feature artist-led walks around Summit, a live podcast recording, and drop-in workshops, will run from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
"The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit" returns on June 9th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- GK Digital Ventures, in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), has announced the return of "The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit," set to take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Following its acclaimed inaugural edition, the second annual summit arrives at the most significant moment in U.S. soccer history: New Jersey is hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including the Final — placing the Garden State at the center of a global spotlight.
2026 Princeton Festival to Take Place June 5-21 at Morven Museum & Garden
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is pleased to announce that world-renowned bel canto soprano Sondra Radvanovsky and The Bacon Brothers, Michael and Kevin, are scheduled to perform at the 2026 Princeton Festival. At the core of the Festival, there is live opera with Festival veteran and current Met Opera star Toni Marie Palmertree returning to sing the title role in Puccini's Madama Butterfly. These major stars typify the quality of musical offerings to be found at this year's Festival which runs from June 5-21 on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden.
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.
MORE EVENTS
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George Street Playhouse presents "My Lord, What A Night"Sunday, May 03, 2026 @ 2:00pmNew Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
New Brunswick, NJ
Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza 2026 (Sensory-Friendly Performance)Sunday, May 03, 2026 @ 2:00pmUnion County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ
