The New Jersey Hall of Fame celebrated its Class of 2025 on Nov. 21 during an induction ceremony at The Rink at The Arena at American Dream, honoring leaders in arts, business, public service, education and sports. The evening was hosted by actor Danny DeVito and drew past inductees, state officials, educators and supporters, highlighting the importance of providing role models who reflect New Jersey’s values and achievements.
The 2025 class included CNN anchor Dana Bash; Emmy-winning journalist Mary Alice Williams; restaurateur David Burke; Inserra Supermarkets CEO Lawrence R. Inserra Jr.; businessman and Minnesota Vikings co-owner Zygi Wilf; musician and Tony Award winner David Bryan; the Isley Brothers; the Jonas Brothers; and Batman franchise executive producer Michael Uslan.
Public service honorees included John P. Keegan; the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver; former U.S. Treasury Secretary William E. Simon; and former New Jersey Attorney General David T. Wilentz. Sports inductees were New Jersey Devils great Martin Brodeur, NBA coach and analyst Hubie Brown, and Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Dorothea Bongiovi, founder of JBJ Soul Kitchen, was recognized as the Unsung Hero, and Educator of the Year honors went to Drury Thorp. The Hon. Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., was inducted in the education and science category.
Chef David Burke said the recognition held special meaning after decades of building restaurants, mentoring young workers and participating in charity events throughout the state.
“I’m feeling a lot of joy and a lot of pride,” Burke said. “I’ve been working hard for decades … pushing the envelope and creating opportunities, teaching people and doing a lot of charity work.”
Burke added that he never planned his path but kept working with intention.
“As a young person, you couldn’t think of being a chef in the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Now you can,” he said.
He also said the restaurant industry will continue to shift through technology while fine dining remains focused on quality, service and the “wow factor.”
Renee Oliver, president of the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation and niece of the late lieutenant governor, accepted the honor on her behalf.
“It is very special. Bittersweet, of course. I would love to have her physically here and see her go up on that stage, but I take much pride and honor in accepting this award on her behalf,” she said.
Oliver added that the foundation continues her aunt’s mission of uplifting underserved communities and supporting women pursuing leadership in public service.
Past inductee Joetta Clark Diggs said returning each year reminds her of the lasting impact of being part of the Hall.
“Whenever I come back, I feel like I am being inducted all over again,” she said. “You can be the champion of your life. A lot of great things can happen. I look at myself and my legacy and I have been blessed to be part of this state.”
Sen. Cory Booker said New Jersey’s momentum comes from its rising generations and the state’s long-standing commitment to strong communities.
“When I look at millennials and Gen Z, they are still continuing to do things that are shaping global cultures,” Booker said. “We have the top-ranked public schools in America. We are a place that nurtures children and great communities of care. I think New Jerseyans are going to continue to not just make the Hall of Fame, but they are going to continue to make American history and the kind of leadership I see coming.”
Founded in 2008, the New Jersey Hall of Fame has inducted more than 240 individuals and groups across 16 ceremonies. It aims to highlight role models who demonstrate excellence while inspiring the next generation of New Jersey residents.
