Award-winning actor, comedian, and filmmaker Danny DeVito will return as host of the 17th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) Induction Ceremony on Nov. 21, at The Rink @ The Arena at American Dream Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
NJHOF will celebrate its newest class of Jersey legends just steps from its permanent home at American Dream. Limited tickets are available at NJHallofFame.org.
In addition to the previously announced Class of 2025 inductees, NJHOF will induct three trailblazers whose innovation and compassion are making an impact across New Jersey.
Unsung Hero
Dorothea Bongiovi is the founder and program director of JBJ Soul Kitchen, a “pay-it-forward” community restaurant model that serves in-need and paying customers to address issues of insecurity while connecting people to critical resources.
Educator of the Year
Drury Thorp is a passionate educator known for innovative, student-centered teaching that inspires curiosity, deep thinking, and civic engagement. She creates meaningful, real-world learning experiences that empower students and strengthen communities.
Education, Research, Engineering, and Science
The Honorable Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., is president emerita of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — the oldest technological research university in the United States — in addition to being the former chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, theoretical physicist at AT&T Bell Labs, and recipient of the National Medal of Science.
She is also the Global Board Secretary for The Nature Conservatory (TNC), which has chapters in all 50 states and offices in nearly 30 countries.
What it Means to be a Hero
“From world-renowned talents to community leaders, this year’s honorees reflect the full spectrum of what it means to be a hero,” said NJHOF Chairman Jon F. Hanson.
“NJHOF exists to provide the next generation with role models who show that excellence can be achieved on the stage, in the classroom, and in neighborhoods across our state,” Hanson added.
The list of 17 inductees includes:
🎸Grammy-nominated pop rock band Jonas Brothers, who reunited in 2019 after pursuing side projects for several years. Their new album, Happiness Begins, went on multiple tours and even received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
🧑🍳Restaurateur and chef David Burke, known for his appearance on the reality TV program Iron Chef America
👟Olympic Gold Hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who holds the world record for the 400 meters hurdles and the American record for the flat 400 meters. She won gold in the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics.
🏒Former New Jersey Devils Goaltender Martin Brodeur.
Here Are All Of The Inductees
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 S. 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, Commissioner of the United States Social Security Administration
• David Burke, renowned restaurateur and culinary innovator
• Lawrence R. Inserra, Jr., chairman & CEO of Inserra Supermarkets, Inc.
• 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 E. Uslan, originator and executive producer of the Batman movie franchise
Public Service
• John P. Keegan, chairman and CEO, Charles Edison Fund and Edison Innovation Foundation
• Lieutenant Governor 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 Edward 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.
About the New Jersey Hall of Fame
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. For more information, go to www.njhalloffame.org.