NEWARK (August 5, 2020) – The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) has announced who the inductees are for the incoming Class of 2019-2020 – a who’s who of some of the Garden State’s best and brightest.

The 12th annual induction ceremony will be a 1-hour virtual pre-recorded ceremony that will take place on Sunday, October 18th, 2020, and will be broadcast on several television, radio and prominent social media platforms throughout New Jersey. The Class of 2019-2020’s Unsung Hero will be announced in early October.

“These Garden State heroes perfectly represent what makes our state great,” says Jon F. Hanson, chairman of the NJHOF. “It’s our privilege to honor these inductees for their outstanding contributions to our state.”


The New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2019-2020 is (with occupation, name, N.J. town):

Arts & Letters:Public Service:
Charles Addams*, Westfield, Cartoonist and creator of The Addams FamilyDr. Virginia Apgar*, Westfield, Anesthesiologist and inventor of the Apgar Score
Stephen Crane*, Newark, Author of The Red Badge of CourageSister Jane Brady, Paterson, Former president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health
Joyce Kilmer*, New Brunswick, Journalist, literary critic and poet best known for “Trees”General Martin Dempsey, Bayonne, Former Army general and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, USA Basketball chair
Fran Lebowitz, Morristown, World-renowned author and public speakerAlfred Driscoll*, Haddonfield, 43rd Governor of New Jersey and president of Warner-Lambert
Mort Pye*, Tewksbury, 31-year editor of The Star-LedgerMilton Friedman*, Rahway, Noble Prize-winning economist
  
Enterprise:Sports:
The Borg Family, Hackensack, Former owners and publishers of The RecordRick Barry, Roselle Park, NBA player named one of 50 greatest in history
Linda Bowden, East Brunswick, N.J. regional president at PNC Bank and N.J. Chamber of Commerce board chairGerry Cooney, Fanwood, Two-time boxing heavyweight contender
Fairleigh Dickinson*, Rutherford, Co-Founder of Fortune 500 company Becton Dickinson, benefactor of Fairleigh Dickinson UniversityEli Manning, Summit, Former NY Giant quarterback and two-time Super Bowl MVP
Steve Kalafer, Flemington, Chairman of the Flemington Car and Truck Country Family of BrandsRobert Mulcahy, III, Mendham, Former athletic director of Rutgers University
Joseph Simunovich*, West New York, Former Hudson County freeholder director and chairman of the New Jersey Turnpike AuthorityVivian Stringer, Piscataway, Head coach of the Rutgers University women’s basketball team
Arts & Entertainment:
Danny Aiello*, Ramsey, Academy Award-nominated actor
John Amos, Newark, Roots and Good Times actor
Ed Harris, Tenafly, Multiple award-winning actor
Cissy Houston, Newark, Grammy Award-winning soul and gospel singer
Ernie Kovacs*, Trenton, Emmy Award-winning and influential comedian, actor and writer
The Nelson Family (Ozzie, Harriet, Ricky, David)*, Jersey City, Stars of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
Flip Wilson*, Jersey City, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning host of The Flip Wilson Show, comedian and actor

*-Being honored posthumously.

In the case of someone who has been selected for the Hall but not inducted due to not being able to attend a previous ceremony, the NJHOF may add to the list of inductees prior to the Oct. 18 ceremony.

ABOUT THE NJHOF: The Foundation for New Jersey Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization honoring citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted 10 ceremonies for over 140 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. The NJHOF endeavors to present schoolchildren 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, without which none of our endeavors would be possible. For more information, go to www.njhalloffame.org.