EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Bergen County) — The New Jersey Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026, recognizing 13 individuals and organizations whose achievements have made lasting contributions in the fields of public service, sports, entertainment, business, education and philanthropy.
The class includes Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter SZA, former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, and New Jersey radio personality Big Joe Henry.
The New Jersey Hall of Fame said the inductees reflect the state’s influence across a wide range of professions as the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
“The Class of 2026 showcases the diverse talent, resilience, and spirit of achievement that define the great state of New Jersey,” said NJHOF Chairman Jon F. Hanson. “Each inductee, through their creativity, leadership, and pursuit of excellence, has made impactful contributions that continue to inspire future generations.”
The inductees will be honored during the 18th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Sept. 24, 2026, at the newly completed Dream Live Performing Arts Center at American Dream in East Rutherford. The ceremony will be hosted by actor Danny DeVito. General admission ticket information will be announced at a later date.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill congratulated the incoming class.
“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,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “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. I congratulate this outstanding class of inductees and thank them for their contributions to New Jersey and beyond.”
The Hall of Fame said the Class of 2026 will also be featured in year-round programming at the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s interactive entertainment and learning center at American Dream.
“Our mission is to provide everyone with a hero to look up to, both in times of struggle and achievement,” said Steve Edwards, NJHOF President. “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.”
The inductees were selected from a field of 60 nominees following a public vote. The Hall of Fame said additional inductees may be announced at a later date.
The New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes:
Arts & Letters
- Big Joe Henry, 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
- Christopher J. Paladino — president of the New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO)
Performing Arts & Entertainment
- The Rascals — American rock band
- 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
- Gov. Christine Todd Whitman — former New Jersey governor and former administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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
*Honored posthumously.
