Congratulations to chamber member Christopher J. Paladino, President of New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO) on your NJ Hall of Fame Induction!  

New Jersey Hall of Fame to Host 18th Annual Induction on September 24

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ (August 27, 2026)- The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) will induct its next class of Jersey legends just steps from its new permanent home at the Dream Live Performing Arts Center at American Dream, on Thursday, September 24, 2026. This year’s distinguished class of inductees includes Grammy award-winning recording artist SZA, “Livin’ Large and Lovin’ Life” radio personality and philanthropist Big Joe Henry, and former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor.

Media RSVP is required. Please CLICK HERE to complete the interest form by September 10.

WHEN:
Thursday, September 24, 2026. Red Carpet: 4:00 pm ET, Ceremony: 7:00 pm ET

WHERE:
American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Red Carpet: The New Jersey Hall of Fame, Court G, Level 3
Induction Ceremony: Dream Live Performing Arts Center 

WHO:
Steve Edwards, President of the NJHOF

Danny DeVito, 2010 NJHOF Inductee, and 2026 Induction Ceremony Host 

The Class of 2026 is:

Arts & Letters

• Big Joe Henry, “Livin’ Large and Lovin’ Life” New Jersey radio personality and philanthropist

Education, Research, Engineering & Science

• Geraldine R. Dodge*, author, philanthropist, and benefactor of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation

• Thomas M. Eastwick, Founder and President 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, New Jersey’s largest health network

• Christopher J. Paladino, President of New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO)

Performing Arts & Entertainment

• Edward Brigati, Jr. - American Singer and Songwriter

• David Brigati* - American Singer

• Dino Danelli* - American Drummer

• SZA, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and Academy Award nominee

Public Service

• Donald Milford Payne Sr.*, New Jersey’s first African American elected to Congress

• Governor Christine Todd Whitman, writer, former Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and New Jersey’s 50th Governor

Sports

• Dr. John J. McMullen*, Former owner of the New Jersey Devils and Houston Astros

• Lawrence “LT” Taylor, Former New York Giants linebacker for 13 seasons

Unsung Hero

• Tom Weatherall, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish® New Jersey 

Educator of the Year

• Marbel Tamayo, a Spanish-language teacher in Paterson, previously recognized as an NJHOF Everyday Hero

*Being honored posthumously.

The Hall of Fame reserves the right to announce other inductees at a later time.

ABOUT THE NJHOF: 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 17 ceremonies for more than 260 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.