Municipalities from around the Garden State can take pride in their past and present residents who have been named to the Class of 2025 Inductees of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. The 17 inductees include Grammy-nominated pop rock band Jonas Brothers, restaurateur and chef David Burke, Olympic gold medalist 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 on November 21, at The Arena at American Dream, home of the Hall of Fame. The event will be hosted by Danny DeVito (not confirmed). 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 New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is:
Arts & Letters
From Teaneck and Montvale Dana Bash is 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”
From Montclair, Mary Alice Williams is an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist, a founding anchor of CNN, and former anchor for NJTV News
Enterprise
From Watchung, Frank Bisignano is CEO and chairman of the board of Fiserv and the current commissioner of the Social Security Administration
From Atlantic Highlands, Chef David Burke is a renowned restaurateur and culinary innovator
From Mahwah, Lawrence R. Inserra Jr. is chairman & CEO of Inserra Supermarkets, Inc.
From Hillside and Springfield Zygmunt “Zygi” Wilf is a businessman, real estate developer, chairman and co-owner of the Minnesota Vikings
Performing Arts & Entertainment
From Perth Amboy, Edison, and Colts Neck, David Bryan is keyboardist for rock band Bon Jovi and Tony Award-winning lyricist and composer
From Teaneck and Englewood, The Isley Brothers are a Grammy Award-winning music group
From Wykoff, the Jonas Brothers are an award-winning pop band
From Bayonne, Deal, and Ocean, Michael Uslan is the originator and executive producer of the Batman movie franchise
Public Service
From Kearny and Rumson, John Keegan is chairman and CEO, Charles Edison Fund and Edison Innovation Foundation.
From Newark and East Orange, Sheila Y. Oliver was New Jersey’s second Lieutenant Governor, and the first woman of color elected to statewide office in the state’s history. She will be honored posthumously.
From Paterson and Harding, William E. Simon was a businessman, philanthropist, and former United States Secretary of the Treasury. He will be honored posthumously.
From Perth Amboy and Long Branch, David T. Wilentz was former attorney general of New Jersey and founder of law firm Wilentz, Goldman, and Spitzer. He will be honored posthumously.
Sports
Residing in West Orange, Martin Brodeur is a former ice hockey goaltender and current team executive for the New Jersey Devils.
From Elizabeth and Fairlawn, Hubie Brown is a former basketball player, analyst, and two-time NBA Coach of the Year.
From Dunellen, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles.
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.
ABOUT THE NJHOF: 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. For more information, go to www.njhalloffame.org.