The New Jersey Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2026 class of inductees, recognizing 13 individuals whose achievements span music, sports, public service, business, philanthropy, and education.
The New Jersey Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026, honoring 13 New Jersey natives and leaders whose accomplishments have left a lasting mark on the state and beyond.
The inductees will be formally recognized during the 18th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Sept. 24 at the newly completed Dream Live Performing Arts Center at American Dream in East Rutherford. Actor Danny DeVito will host the ceremony.
Photo: Governor Mikie Sherrill and Governor Christie Todd Whitman – by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
“The Class of 2026 showcases the diverse talent, resilience, and spirit of achievement that define the great state of New Jersey,” NJ Hall of Fame Chairman Jon F. Hanson said. “Each inductee, through their creativity, leadership, and pursuit of excellence, has made impactful contributions that continue to inspire future generations.”
Music, sports and public service leaders honored
Among this year’s most recognizable inductees are Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter SZA, Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, and former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman.
“As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, New Jersey is proud to honor a remarkable group of individuals whose achievements reflect the talent, innovation, and determination that define the Garden State,” Gov. Mikie Sherrill said. “The New Jersey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 has made a lasting impact in their fields and serves as an inspiration to future generations.”
The Hall of Fame said the inductees were selected from 60 nominees following a public vote.
Complete Class of 2026
The New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes:
Arts & Letters
- Big Joe Henry, longtime New Jersey radio personality and philanthropist
Education, Research, Engineering & Science
- Geraldine R. Dodge* — author and philanthropist
- Thomas M. Eastwick — founder of Eastwick College and the HoHoKus School of Trade and Technical Sciences
Enterprise
- James E. Burke* — former CEO of Johnson & Johnson
- Robert C. Garrett — CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health
- Christopher J. Paladino — president of the New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO)
Performing Arts & Entertainment
- The Rascals
- SZA
Public Service
- Donald Milford Payne Sr.* — New Jersey’s first African American elected to Congress
- Governor Christine Todd Whitman — New Jersey’s 50th governor and former EPA administrator
Sports
- Dr. John J. McMullen* — former owner of the New Jersey Devils and Houston Astros
- Lawrence Taylor — former New York Giants linebacker
Unsung Hero
- Tom Weatherall — President and CEO of Make-A-Wish New Jersey
(*Posthumous induction.)
Hall of Fame continues year-round programming
The Hall of Fame said the new class will be featured in year-round educational programming at its American Dream museum and exhibition space.
“Our mission is to provide everyone with a hero to look up to, both in times of struggle and achievement,” NJ Hall of Fame President Steve Edwards said. “Each of this year’s thirteen inductees exemplifies the concept of Areté, or striving for your highest potential in the face of adversity, offering boundless inspiration to those pursuing their own aspirations.”
General admission ticket information for the induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Key Points
• The New Jersey Hall of Fame announced its 2026 class of 13 inductees, including SZA, Lawrence Taylor, and former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman.
• The induction ceremony will be held Sept. 24 at the Dream Live Performing Arts Center at American Dream in East Rutherford and hosted by Danny DeVito.
• The inductees were selected from 60 nominees following a public vote.
New Jersey Hall of Fame, SZA, Lawrence Taylor, Christine Todd Whitman, Danny DeVito, American Dream, East Rutherford, Big Joe Henry, Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey news