The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) announced its 15th class of inductees on Tuesday.
The 2023 class showcase the accomplishments of some of the Garden State’s best and brightest. Inductees will be honored at the 15th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on Oct. 29, 2023.
“The New Jersey greats included in this year’s Hall of Fame inductee list have made great contributions to our state’s history,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “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.”
“We are honored to celebrate the contributions and leadership of these New Jerseyans,” Jon Hanson, chairman of the NJHOF said. “This latest class will join the 14 others we have inducted in being highlighted at our upcoming Entertainment and Learning Center at American Dream and will serve as heroes and role models for coming generations.”
The 12 inductees in the five categories were chosen out of 50 nominees after a public vote.
The New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2023 include:
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
Stephen N. 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.
