The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) recently announced their 15th class of inductees, highlighting the Garden State’s most influential figures. The inductees represent what hard work and dedication can do for one’s career, as evident by all their accomplishments.
“The New Jersey greats included in this year’s Hall of Fame inductee list have made great contributions to our state’s history,” said Governor Murphy. “From sports legends to entertainment stars, business leaders to public servants and scholars, New Jersey has been graced by the likes of many influential people that have shined a light on what our state has to offer. This year’s class is among the best of them.”
Listed below are the inductees and their respective categories.
Sports:
Tiki Barber, Florham Park, former running back for the New York Giants in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons
Sue Wicks, New Brunswick, former basketball player for the New York Liberty in the Women’s National Basketball Association from 1997 to 2002
Performing Arts & Entertainment:
David Chase**, Clifton/North Caldwell, filmmaker and creator of the Peabody Award-winning HBO drama series The Sopranos. Chase has written, produced, and directed critically acclaimed television shows. Chase recently co-wrote and produced The Sopranos prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark.
Tony Orlando, Union City, singer whose career spans over 60 years, best known for his work as part of Tony Orlando and Dawn
Patti Scialfa**, Deal, singer-songwriter, guitarist and member of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band since 1984. She has been married to Springsteen since 1991
Enterprise:
Finn Wentworth, Mount Tabor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor in major commercial real estate and sports ventures
Josh Weston, Montclair, former CEO of small business management services company ADP and notable philanthropist
Public Service:
Steve Adubato, Sr.*, Newark, politician and teacher, founder of the North Ward Center
Charles Edison*, West Orange, 42nd Governor of New Jersey from 1941 to 1944, businessman, inventor, and animal behaviorist who is the son of inventor Thomas Edison
George Shultz*, Princeton, economist, businessman, diplomat, statesman, and one of only two persons to have held four different Cabinet-level posts
Arts & Letters:
George Segal*, South Brunswick Township, an American painter and sculptor associated with the pop art movement. He was presented with the United States National Medal of Arts in 1999
Dorothy Porter Wesley*, Montclair, librarian, bibliographer, and curator, and first African American to receive a library science degree from Columbia University
*Being honored posthumously.
**Previous inductee, but being formally inducted this year.
See also: Steve Adubato Sr. Among NJ Hall of Fame Nominees
Read more: Putting New Jersey Greatness on Display