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The New Jersey Hall of Fame – home to many of the Garden State’s best and brightest – now will have a home to call its own.|

The Hall of Fame, which recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary with a gala induction ceremony, to date has used a mobile museum as its home. The permanent home will be part of the American Dream retail and entertainment complex, which is scheduled to open in the spring of 2019.

The groundbreaking for the new home is to take place Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the New Jersey Hall of Fame Mobile Museum (located on the east side of the Arena (former IZOD Center) and in close proximity to the new museum location). The event gets underway at 11 a.m. (EDT).

“I am deeply excited that American Dream will become the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s permanent home,” says Governor Murphy. “New Jerseyans will learn about the distinguished inductees, who will inspire residents to be the next generation of New Jersey leaders.”

Don Ghermezian, President of American Dream, says, “We are very proud to be the new home for The New Jersey Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame museum will be a state-of-the-art facility that will showcase the incredible contributions and outstanding achievements of so many inspiring individuals that have called New Jersey their home. The Hall of Fame will complement and enhance our property’s exceptional offering of entertainment, performing arts, culinary and retail experiences that will draw over 40 million visitors annually.”

Jon F. Hanson, the Hall of Fame’s chairman of the board, adds: “We are beyond excited to have a place to call home, and thrilled that it will be at American Dream. We are proud of the rich and important contributions our inductees have made to New Jersey and beyond, and our new home will allow us to showcase our state to so many more people.”

“The NJHOF leadership thanks our founders and family of supporters for helping us to create one of the ultimate symbols of Jersey pride,” Steve Edwards, president of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. “This exciting new attraction and learning center will have an immeasurable impact on the pride of New Jerseyans, and will help inspire its visitors to realize their highest and best sense of self, with a moral excellence of character.”

Baseball standout Al Leiter is among those scheduled to attend the Sept. 26 groundbreaking. “I’m grateful and proud of the honor that my HOF induction and legacy will be showcased alongside all the other New Jersey Hall of Famers at this fantastic new museum home at American Dream,” says Leiter.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame permanent museum will be located within several minutes of many attractions at American Dream, including Legoland Discovery Center and Sealife Aquarium, a DreamWorks Water Park, a Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, Cirque de Soleil and KidZania. An estimated 40 million are expected to visit the American Dream complex annually. The Hall of Fame has entered into a long-term lease at American Dream. Terms were not disclosed.

In addition to officials and founders from the Hall of Fame, dignitaries expected to attend the Sept. 26 groundbreaking include NJHOF inductees, elected officials from state, county and local governments, executives from American Dream developer Triple Five and business and labor leaders.

Tickets on sale March 22 for 10^th annual induction gala in Asbury Park

Soccer superstar Carli Lloyd is to be inducted by New Jersey Hall of Fame at its 10^th annual ceremony Sunday, May 6, at the Paramount Theatre on the famed Jersey Shore boardwalk.

A native of Delran in Burlington County and a former Rutgers star, Lloyd will join 16 other standouts on stage at the 10^th Annual Induction Ceremony. She previously was selected for induction but was unable to attend that year. Thus, Lloyd will be so honored this time.

 Tickets, ranging from $35 to $100 each, go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 22.

All living inductees are scheduled to attend the ceremony at the Paramount, which is part of the Asbury Park Convention Hall complex. Musician Tommy James, who was inducted last year, is slated to perform May 6.

“The NJHOF 10th anniversary induction ceremony is shaping up to be our most exciting ceremony yet,” says Steve Edwards, New Jersey Hall of Fame president. “We look forward to honoring 17 more distinguished New Jerseyans who have reached the pinnacle of their respective fields.”

The NJHOF inductees to be honored at the 10th annual induction ceremony are:

• ARTS & LETTERS: Author Harlan Coben, author/journalist Anna Quindlen.
• ENTERPRISE: Real estate executive Jon Hanson, publishing executive Steve Forbes, businessman Joe Buckelew, celebrity chef Cake Boss Buddy Valastro.
• PERFORMING ARTS: Musician/actor Steven Van Zandt, The Four Seasons, including Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi and Joe Long; singer Gloria Gaynor, singer-songwriter Debbie Harry of the band Blondie.
• PUBLIC SERVICE: Astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly, nurse Clara Maass, politician Millicent Fenwick.
• SPORTS: Former Major League Baseball pitcher Al Leiter,  soccer’s Carli Lloyd.
• UNSUNG HERO: To be announced in April.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) announces the 16 newest inductees it will honor at this year’s Induction Ceremony on May 6th, 2018, at the historic Convention Hall in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The distinguished Class of 2017 currently includes:

• ARTS & LETTERS: Author Harlan Coben and author and journalist Anna Quindlen.
• ENTERPRISE: Real Estate executive Jon Hanson, publishing executive Steve Forbes, businessman Joe Buckelew, and celebrity chef Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro.
• PERFORMING ARTS: Actress Meryl Streep, musician and actor Steven Van Zandt, the band The Four Seasons including members Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi and Joe Long, singer Gloria Gaynor, and singer-songwriter Debbie Harry of the band BLONDIE.
• PUBLIC SERVICE: Astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly, nurse Clara Maass and politician Millicent Fenwick.
• SPORTS: Major League Baseball player Al Leiter and, Olympic soccer player Carli Lloyd.
• UNSUNG HERO: To be announced in April.

“Induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame is the highest civilian honor that our State can bestow on someone. It’s a celebration of New Jersey that inspires the next generation of New Jersey leaders. Our inductees remind us how so many of our citizens have transformed the world, and how proud we should be of that fact as New Jerseyans,” said Governor Phil Murphy.

All living inductees are expected to attend the 2017 Induction Ceremony; a friend or family member will represent inductees who are no longer with us. The New Jersey Hall of Fame may select additional inductees based on their availability for the ceremony.

“Our May 6th induction ceremony is the NJHOF’s 10th-anniversary celebration, and former inductees will help us to induct this year’s class. It will be an inspiring ceremony, with lots of surprises,” said Steve Edwards, NJHOF Foundation Board President.

The official 2017 Public Vote Ballot contained 50 nominees – 10 in each of five categories: Arts & Letters, Enterprise, Performance Arts, Public Service and Sports. The public voting, along with input from the Hall of Fame’s Board of Trustees, determined this year’s class. More information about the selection process and the “Recommend a Nominee” is on the NJHOF website.

NJHOF will also recognize the recipients of the third annual Arête Scholarship on stage at the Induction Ceremony. Named for the Greek concept of “Arête” meaning the realization of one’s highest potential, these $5,000 scholarships are awarded to New Jersey high school seniors to help them achieve their potential. Students can apply for these generous scholarships online at www.NJHallofFame.org/arete before the deadline on March 17, 2018. The NJHOF presents The Arête Scholarship in partnership with the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA).

The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) announces plans for a state-of-the-art exhibition of its inductees at Newark Liberty International Airport starting in 2018. Highlighting the lives of inductees through posters, videos, and five hologram units, the exhibition is designed to inspire people to pursue the full potential of their own lives.

Holograms in both Terminals B and C will feature NJHOF inductees such as astronaut Mark Kelly and international recording artist Wyclef Jean and prompt airport patrons to learn more through questions and recorded answers. The exhibition in Terminal B will include video monitors and a poster campaign.

“New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees, people who we are most proud of in this state, have made significant and vitally important contributions to our state’s quality of life, our society in general and to the world,” said Governor Christie. “This new exhibition will welcome domestic and international travelers to our State, giving them the opportunity to learn more about who we are in New Jersey and our state’s history, and it will further instill a sense of Jersey Pride for all New Jersey residents.

“Newark Liberty Airport is an essential economic engine for the Garden State, generating thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity. This new cultural enhancement is just another step in our efforts to ensure the airport has the most advanced, up-to-date terminals to meet the needs of modern-day travelers.”

Installation of the exhibition will take place throughout 2018 starting with two hologram units this December and three additional by the end of March along with the poster campaign. Video monitors will be installed by the Spring and the wall of fame by the Fall.

“This remarkably innovative exhibition aligns perfectly with the Port Authority’s commitment to modernize and improve its facilities and provide customers with a world-class customer experience,” said Kevin O’Toole, Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “We’re excited to welcome visitors to New Jersey with the inspiring lives of our Hall of Fame inductees.”

“This NJ Hall of Fame satellite exhibition is the first in a series of exciting announcements planned for the months ahead,” observed Jon Hanson, NJHOF Capital Campaign Chairman.

“This exhibition will encourage children and adults alike to follow the examples of our inductees and become the best they can be,” added NJHOF Chairman Emeritus John Keegan. “It will also make Jersey proud.”

“New Jersey Hall of Fame at Newark Airport is a satellite museum outpost that will feature the latest in cutting- edge technology, and will help to distinguish New Jersey as the state whose citizens have made enormous contributions to mankind,” concluded Steve Edwards, Chairman of NJHOF Board of Trustees.

Video credit:  Gary Gellman/ Gellman Images

Sue and Ed Goldstein, founders of The Valerie Fund, have been selected as the 2016 recipients of the New Jersey Hall Of Fame (NJHOF) Unsung Hero Award.

The Unsung Hero Award was presented at the formal induction ceremony on May 7, at Convention Hall in Asbury Park, N.J., by previous Unsung Heroes Lt. Brian Brennan and Eric LeGrand.

The award recognizes New Jersey’s local heroes, people who are game-changers but are not typically recognized for their work in improving the lives of people in our great state. Nominations are made by the general public, NJOH chooses 5 finalists, and the winners are selected by prior Unsung Hero recipients.  Previous recipients include first responders injured in the line of duty, Holocaust educators and others who have overcome obstacles to accomplish great things and make a difference in their communities.

“There are so many inspirational individuals in our state who don’t seem to receive the recognition they deserve. The Unsung Hero Award was established as a way for these difference-makers to be recognized publically, and to establish their rightful place among the state’s most honored celebrities,” said Bart Oates, NJHOF Board Member.

Sue and Ed Goldstein, longtime New Jersey residents, suffered an unthinkable tragedy not once, but twice: losing both their daughters to cancer.  In the face of their grief, the Goldsteins used their losses to help others, creating programs in the wake of each daughter’s passing.  Their extraordinary efforts over the past 40 years resulted in the creation of The Valerie Fund and The Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.  Both organizations continue to provide hope and life-saving treatment for thousands of people.

“We are deeply honored by our induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. This award represents all that The Valerie Fund has accomplished in helping children and their families in their battle to defeat pediatric cancer and blood disorders within our Valerie Fund Children’s Centers,” said the Goldsteins.

The Valerie Fund, based in Maplewood, N.J., started in 1976 in the living room of the Goldsteins’ home after their nine-year-old daughter Valerie died of cancer.  They were determined that no family should have to travel great distances to receive superior medical care and began a fundraising crusade which led to the opening of the first pediatric oncology facility in New Jersey at Summit’s Overlook Hospital in 1977.  Today, The Valerie Fund features a network of seven hospital-based outpatient facilities, six of which are in New Jersey, and provides access to compassionate care for thousands of children battling cancer and blood disorders.

“The Goldsteins are authentic heroes, the kind of people we should look up to every day,” said Steve Edwards, President of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Foundation.  “When confronted with tragedy and adversity, they had a choice as to what to do with their grief, and they chose to help others and have continued to do so every day since the 1970s.  That is incredible and why we are so proud to present Sue and Ed with the NJHOF Unsung Hero Award and showcase their inspiring story and contributions to the community through The Valerie Fund.”

The Unsung Hero Award was developed in 2009 to recognize a true American hero, Lieutenant Brian Brennan. Lt. Brennan, along with three other soldiers and a civilian, were the victims of two improvised explosive device (IED) attacks. Although he suffered from life-threatening injuries, Lt. Brennan miraculously awoke from his coma and has made an incredible recovery. The 2009 Unsung Hero award was presented to Lt. Brennan by General David T. Petraeus, a moment no-one in the audience will ever forget. The award has since recognized major influencers such as paralyzed former Rutgers football star Eric LeGrand and Expect to Win author Carla Harris.

Christina E. Batista

Two outstanding seniors from Manchester Township High School in Manchester, N.J., have been selected as the 2017 recipients of the Arête Scholarship.  Christina Batista and John Davern were recognized for their accomplishments during the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) Induction Ceremony on May 7, at Convention Hall in Asbury Park, N.J.

This is the second year that the New Jersey Hall of Fame has partnered with the New Jersey Education Association to present the Arête Scholarship, which awards each recipient a $5,000 scholarship.  Arête is an ancient Greek term that means, “reaching your highest human potential.”  The scholarship recognizes and rewards students who strive to pursue their passions in life, overcome the obstacles along the way and achieve their highest sense of self.

“The recipients of these scholarships exhibit a sense of Jersey pride, and the willingness to go above and beyond. They show academic engagement, moral character and a commitment to their community,” said Steve Edwards, President of the NJHOF Foundation Board. “These students truly demonstrate focus in school and life, and have a well thought out plan on how they intend to succeed in the future.”

“It is truly an honor to be selected,” said John Davern, “but what is more amazing is that two students from the same high school were both selected for this prestigious award.” Christina Batista added, “I am really happy we got to put Manchester on the map.”

John Davern

Both are nervous about being a part of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Ceremony which will feature the induction of: Kelly Ripa, Carol Higgins Clark, Connie Chung, Ray Liotta, Tommy James, Wyclef  Jean, Rosey Grier, Chuck Wepner, Carol Blazejowski, Alfred Koeppe, Arthur Imperatore, Sr., Peace Pilgrim, and Philip Kearny.

“Honestly, it is a little scary, but it will be exciting to be on stage with all those amazing people,” said Davern.

“I am so excited and honored to be a part of this community and to see the excellence that is happening in the state. I am really blown away!”  said Batista.

Davern, age 17, is an avid sports fan, athlete and honor student. He is senior class president and is actively involved in Student Government.  In addition to maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average, he has achieved MVP status on the Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, and Cross Country Teams. Being involved in the local community is also important to Davern, who mentors middle school students about issues such as bullying and drugs/alcohol as part of the Heroes and Cool Kids Club. He also coaches Manchester Little League.

“Seeing things from the coach’s perspective really gave me new insight,” said Davern. “When I was young, I thought I was just learning how to play the sport.  I didn’t realize the coaches were actually teaching us skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership.  I like being able to pass that on to the kids.”

Davern plans to attend Lock Haven University this fall to study Sports Management. He also aspires to write a sports blog for a sports network or print publication.  His ultimate goal is to work for NASCAR in management or marketing.

“This scholarship will allow me to focus on my school work and to spend more time getting involved with the college community,” he said. “I didn’t know what Arête meant until I started researching it, and it really opened my eyes. To live with Arête is the knowledge that you can and will be successful – if you want to be successful; which is something I have followed my whole life.”

Batista, age 17, is an outgoing honors student who loves the performing arts. She is secretary of the National Honor Society and proudly notes that she has performed in every Drama Club production over the past four years. She is also a featured member and section leader of the Cantante Honors Choir.  Batista’s other passions include volunteering and working with young people.

She volunteers as a mentor in the Heroes and Cool Kids Club and serves as a teacher’s assistant for Religious Education Programs at St. Johns Roman Catholic Church in Lakehurst, N.J. She also assists children with reading as a library tutor at the Ocean County Library.

“It is wonderful to help youth grow and learn and to teach them invaluable skills. At the library I taught children how to read and to see them flourish is really amazing,” said Batista, who also volunteers for the American Red Cross school blood drive. “It is always important to give back.  I volunteer because I want to make my community a better place.”

Batista said she wasn’t familiar with the term Arête before applying for the scholarship, but found that it describes the essence of who she is. “The concept is something that has been passed down in my family from my grandparents to my parents to me. It means being a passionate, focused individual that works hard to achieve success, and I believe I exemplify those qualities,” she noted.

Batista plans to study business administration and marketing at the Silberman College of Business at Fairleigh Dickinson University this fall. “I see myself as a future leader of a Fortune 500 company, taking my place among the ranks of other accomplished women who have broken through the glass ceiling.”

According to Edwards, the New Jersey Hall of Fame was created to honor the Garden State’s most distinguished citizens, people who are powerful role models, especially for the young people in our state.

“This scholarship is important for us to be involved with because the NJHOF is dedicated to serving as a source of inspiration and motivation for young people to strive for, and to achieve, excellence in any endeavor they pursue,” said Edwards.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame announces the 15 newest inductees to be honored at this year’s Induction Ceremony on May 7, 2017, at the historic Convention Hall in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The distinguished Class of 2016 currently includes:

• ARTS & LETTERS: Author Carol Higgins Clark and news anchor Connie Chung.
• ENTERPRISE: Businessman Alfred Koeppe and founder of NY Waterway Arthur Imperatore, Sr.
• PERFORMING ARTS: Singer, composer, actress, entertainer, and publisher Connie Francis, actress and TV personality Kelly Ripa, actor Ray Liotta, pop-rock musician Tommy James, and musician Wyclef Jean of The Fugees.
• PUBLIC SERVICE: Non-denominational spiritual teacher and activist Peace Pilgrim and United States Army officer Philip Kearny.
• SPORTS: Professional soccer midfielder Carli Lloyd, Olympian and Basketball Hall of Famer Carol Blazejowski, heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner, and NFL Pro-bowler Rosey Grier.
• UNSUNG HERO: To be announced in April.

All living inductees are expected to attend the 2016 Induction Ceremony; a friend or family member will represent inductees who are no longer with us. The New Jersey Hall of Fame may select additional inductees based on their availability for the ceremony.

“Induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame is the highest civilian honor that our State can bestow on someone,” said John Keegan, Chairman Emeritus of the NJHOF Foundation Board. “It’s a celebration of New Jersey and its greatest achievers, and a recognition of role models for our next generation. This is New Jersey’s version of the Academy Awards, so attendees can expect some surprise celebrity appearances.”

The official 2016 Public Vote ballot contained 50 nominees – 10 in each of five categories: Arts & Letters, Enterprise, Performance Arts, Public Service and Sports. The public voting, along with input from the Hall of Fame’s Board of Commissioners, determined this year’s class. More information about the selection process and the “Recommend a Nominee” is on our website.

The recipients of the second annual Arête Scholarship will also be recognized at the Induction Ceremony. Named for the Greek concept of “Arête” meaning the realization of one’s highest potential, these $5,000 scholarships are awarded to New Jersey high school seniors to help them achieve their potential. Students can apply for scholarships online at www.NJHallofFame.org/arete before the deadline on March 17, 2017. The Arête Scholarship is provided in partnership with the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA).

For information on sponsorship and ticket packages, please contact Brenda De Santis at BDeSantis@BGIAINS.com.

THE NEW JERSEY HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2016

Arts & Letters

CAROL HIGGINS CLARK, Washington Twp, NJ

Raised in Washington Township, Bergen County, NJ, Clark began her career as a mystery author re-typing mother Mary Higgins Clark’s manuscripts. The author of the popular Regan Reilly series, she has also co-authored a best-selling holiday-themed suspense series with her mother.

CONNIE CHUNG, Middletown, NJ

This longtime Middletown, NJ, resident is a renowned journalist who has hosted 20/20 and the CBS Evening News. In 1993, she became the first woman to co-anchor CBS Evening News, as well as the first Asian and the second woman to anchor one of America’s major network newscasts. She has been an anchor and reporter on NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, and MSNBC.

Enterprise

ALFRED KOEPPE, Manasquan, NJ

Educated at Rutgers-Newark and Seton Hall Law School, Koeppe was President and COO of Bell Atlantic and PSE&G. He served as President of the Newark Alliance and formerly chaired the State Economic Development Administration and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority. He was the recipient of the 2013 Steven J. Diner Ethical Leadership Award.

ARTHUR IMPERATORE, SR., Fort Lee, NJ

This Italian-American businessman is best known for being the founder and president of the NY Waterway. Imperatore began his business career in 1947, founding what would become the fourth largest trucking company in the U.S. In 1981, he purchased a 2.5-mile length of waterfront in Weehawken and West New York from the Penn Central Railroad. In 1986 this land was used to begin the NY Waterway ferry service between Weehawken and Manhattan. The former Arthur E. Imperatore School of Sciences and Arts of Stevens Institute of Technology, in Hoboken, New Jersey, was named in his honor.

Performing Arts

CONNIE FRANCIS, Newark, NJ

Singer, composer, actress, entertainer, and publisher Connie Francis was born in Newark, NJ, and educated at Arts High School, Newark. She has toured the US, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Europe, owned publishing companies, and has made many records from the 1950s onward including hits like “Who’s Sorry Now” and “Stupid Cupid.”

KELLY RIPA, Stratford, NJ

Born in Stratford, NJ, Ripa has co-hosted syndicated talk show for 15 years: Live! With Kelly, previously Live! With Kelly and Michael and Live! with Regis and Kelly. She spent 12 years playing Hayley Vaughan Santos on the soap opera All my Children, for which she won three Daytime Emmy Awards.

RAY LIOTTA, Newark, NJ

This native of Newark, NJ, is known for his portrayals of Henry Hill in the crime-drama Goodfellas and Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams. He won an Emmy Award and was nominated for Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards. He won his Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role on the medical drama ER.

TOMMY JAMES, Cedar Grove, NJ

American pop-rock musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, Tommy James is most widely known as the leader of the 1960s rock band Tommy James and the Shondells. The group first recorded at a local radio station in 1964, and became best known for their hits “Hanky Panky” and “I Think We’re Alone Now.” James eventually went solo and recorded two Billboard Hot 100 top 20 chart hits, along with eleven other Hot 100 hits.

WYCLEF JEAN, Newark, NJ

Wyclef Jeanelle Jean is a Haitian rapper, musician, and actor. At the age of nine Jean moved to the United States with his family where he spent much of his life. Jean graduated from Vailsburg High School in Newark, NJ. He first achieved fame as a member of the acclaimed New Jersey hip-hop group The Fugees. Jean won three Grammy Awards for his musical work.

Public Service

PEACE PILGRIM, Egg Harbor City, NJ

Born Mildred Lisette Norman in Egg Harbor City, NJ, Ms. Pilgrim was an American non-denominational spiritual teacher, mystic, pacifist, vegetarian activist, and peace activist. In 1952 she became the first woman to walk the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in one season. Ms. Pilgrim also walked across the United States at least eight times—likely more than 20 times. Starting on January 1, 1953, in Pasadena, CA, she adopted the name “Peace Pilgrim” and walked across the United States for 28 years.

PHILIP KEARNY, Kearny, NJ

Kearny served as a United States Army officer and was notable for his leadership in the Mexican-American War and American Civil War, during which he commanded the First New Jersey Brigade. He was killed in action in the 1862 Battle of Chantilly. The town of Kearny, NJ, where he had his estate, is named in his honor.

Sports

CARLI LLOYD, Mount Laurel, NJ

Lloyd is an American professional soccer midfielder who currently plays for the Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States women’s national soccer team. She is a FIFA Women’s World Cup winner and two-time Olympic gold medalist. Lloyd scored the gold medal-winning goals in the finals of the 2008 Summer Olympics, the 2012 Summer Olympics, and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She represented the United States at three FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments: the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, in which she helped the U.S. win bronze; the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, in which the U.S. won silver; and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where Lloyd scored a hat trick in the final, captaining the U.S. to its third title. Ms. Lloyd is a native of Delran Township and now lives in Mount Laurel, NJ.

CAROL BLAZEJOWSKI, Elizabeth, NJ

Blazejowski is the former Olympian and Basketball Hall of Famer, and three-time All-American at Montclair State (1976-1978). She won the inaugural Wade Trophy as the nation’s finest collegiate female player in 1978 and led the nation in scoring with 33.5 points per game in 1976-77 and 38.6 points per game in 1977-78. She was Captain of the 1980 women’s Olympic basketball team, and member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. She worked in the front office of NBA and currently is Associate VP at Montclair State University.

CHUCK WEPNER, Bayonne, NJ

Known as the “Bayonne Brawler” and the “Bayonne Bleeder,” the heavyweight boxer was a heavy underdog when he went fifteen rounds with world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in a 1975 title fight. Wepner claimed that he was the inspiration for the movie Rocky.

ROSEY GRIER, Roselle, NJ

Grier played in NFL for the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams from 1955–1966, and was honored as a two-time Pro Bowler. As an actor, Grier has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. Has also written several inspirational books and is an inspirational speaker. Grier spent his high school years in NJ and played high school football at Abraham Clark High School in Roselle, NJ.

Find information on all of our past inductees at NJHallofFame.org.

To view past induction ceremonies, visit the NJ Hall of Fame YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/NJHoF

Mary Theresa Eleanor Higgins Clark Conheeney, professionally known as Mary Higgins Clark, was born on Christmas Eve 1927 as the second child of Irish immigrant Luke Higgins and his American-born wife Nora. As a child, Higgins Clark was fascinated by writing and composed her first poem at age seven.

Following her graduation from Saint Francis Xavier Grammar School, Higgins Clark received a scholarship to attend Villa Maria Academy where she was encouraged to explore and develop her love of writing. After completing her schooling at the Wood Secretarial School, she worked various jobs including secretary stewardess for Pan-American Airlines and copy editor before leaving her job to begin a family. Though she began writing at an early age, it wasn’t until 1964 when her husband passed that she began writing radio scripts. First published at age 28, many years passed before her agent urged Higgins Clark to try her hand at writing novels.

Her first novel, a fictionalized tale about George Washington, did not fare well and Higgins Clark decided to pursue her passion: mystery and suspense novels. Each of her subsequent 51 books have been bestsellers in the United States and various European countries. As of 2015, all of her novels still remain in print, with her debut suspense novel in its 75th printing. Find out more about Mary Higgins Clark in this month’s Legacy video installment!