Jersey Made: NJ Hall of Fame inductees welcome visitors at Terminal A at Newark Liberty Airport.
NEWARK Gov. Phil Murphy Monday, June 10 announced the inductees of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2018. Murphy made the announcement at Newark Liberty Airport, where holograms of past inductees welcome travelers and visitors to New Jersey.
Laurie Hernandez wins Olympic gold in Rio.
Members of the Class of 2018 include 19 honorees in five categories, including Jaws author Peter Benchley, who will be honored posthumously; and George R. R. Martin, author of Game of Thrones. Business maven Martha Stewart, who was nominated previously, joins entertainers Southside Johnny and Jason Alexander of Seinfeld fame. The youngest inductee is Olympian gymnast Laurie Hernandez.
The inductees were elected in late 2018 in a process that included the public voting. All living inductees are scheduled to attend the 11th annual ceremony at the Paramount theater in Asbury Park, Sunday, Oct. 27.
Philanthropist Lewis Katz
Past inductees from Atlantic County include Longport philanthropist Lewis Katz, who was inducted in the Class of 2015; and peace activist Peace Pilgrim (Mildred Lisette Norman), who was born and raised in Egg Harbor City, in the Class of 2016.
Our 11th annual induction ceremony will be a celebration of another stellar class of Jersey legends, and the culmination of our $10 million capital campaign, NJ Hall of Fame President Steve Edwards said.
Peace Pilgrim
Proceeds of the event will support the hall's capital campaign, which will fund the creation of a permanent museum at the American Dream complex in East Rutherford by 2020.
Members of the Class of 2018 are:
ARTS AND LETTERS
Peter Benchley**, author
Jerry Izenberg, sports columnist
George R. R. Martin, author of Game of Thrones
Timothy White, photographer
ENTERPRISE
J. Fletcher Creamer Sr.**, businessman
F.M. Kirby II**, businessman
Tim McLoone, restaurateur, entrepreneur
Mary Roebling**, businesswoman
Arthur F. Ryan, businessman
Martha Stewart*, businesswoman/TV personality
PERFORMING ARTS
Jason Alexander, actor
Southside Johnny Lyon, musician
The Smithereens (Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken, Mike Mesaros, and the late Pat DiNizio), musicians
PUBLIC SERVICE
Elizabeth Allen**, activist
Victor Parsonnet, physician, professor
SPORTS
Harry Carson, N.Y. Giants
Anne Donovan**, basketball player, coach
Laurie Hernandez, gymnast
Bart Oates, N.Y. Giants
*Previously selected and being inducted this year.
**Being honored posthumously.
