Established in 2022 in honor of Hugh Devine’s 50 years of service to the Garden Statesmen, the Hall of Fame recognizes chapter members who, over a significant period of time, have made extraordinary contributions to the success of the Garden Statesmen. It is the Garden Statesmen’s highest honor.

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Class of 2025

Allan Hardy (Posthumous) - Alan discovered the joy of singing with the Garden Statesmen through the theater, where he met fellow GS HOF’er Mickey Levitan.  For his 25+ years with the chorus, Alan held several chapter offices, including Secretary, Membership VP, and Marketing VP.  In 2021, Alan became the Assistant Director of the GS. Alan was a two-part talent, singing Baritone and Tenor.  He had a great ear for tuning chords, and he performed in multiple chapter quartets (most recently “Tongue In Cheek”).  Alan’s reliability and willingness to do just about anything the chorus needed brought him numerous chapter awards and multiple BOTY honors.​

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Jim Danner - Jim has been a continuous member of the GS since 1986, when he quickly became a Tenor Section Leader and the creator of learning tracks (cassette tapes) for the chorus.  Jim has sung in multiple chapter quartets (most recently “PayDay!”). He has served as a chapter officer nearly every year for most of his 40 years with the chapter, including several terms as Chapter President.  He wrote and directed several chapter shows and worked on set design, lighting, and construction. Most recently, Jim accepted the role of Assistant Director in addition to the many hats he wears.  Jim is quick to recognize his wife, Sharyn's, love and patience for her support of his GS activities.

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Class of 2024

Mark Van Bruggen -  One cannot discuss The Garden Statesmen without acknowledging Mark’s contributions and leadership. In 1983, Mark joined the chapter as a Junior at Ewing H.S. and again in 1988 after returning from college. Mark quickly became a pivotal member of the chorus. Under five directors, Mark has sung bass, lead & baritone.  He has also sung in six-chapter quartets. In addition to being Assistant Director for many years, Mark has been “THE MC” and stand-up comic for virtually every GS show and performance. Most significantly, in 2021, when the chorus found itself without a director, Mark stepped up with professionalism, dedication, and genuine friendship, accepting no remuneration.  Most recently, as a member of “PayDay!” Mark had the opportunity to sing at the La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy; after which the Italian consulate respectfully requested that the quartet never return.

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Class of 2023​​

Gordon Harrison - (Posthumous): Gordon Harrison was Treasurer of the Garden Statesmen for over 25 years. A solid Baritone (and Baritone Section Leader), Gordon was often complimented for his commitment to performance with exceptional storytelling ability and facial expressions. As a Faculty Advisor/Manager of several Princeton University Eating Clubs, Gordon arranged several chapter installation dinners on campus. Over the years, Gordon received multiple Chapter Awards and BOTY’s. Upon his death,  Gordon also left a substantial bequest to the Garden Statesmen.

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Kutch Mayers (Posthumous) - Kutch Mayers was a Charter member and Chapter Historian until age prevented him from being active. Kutch held many officer positions, including, but not limited to, Chapter President, Marketing VP, and Newsletter (Tiger Town Tags) Editor. Kutch wrote the history of the Garden Statesmen (first 25 years), and his contributions to barbershop harmony extended beyond the Garden Statesmen. Kutch Mayers is the namesake of the Atlantic Division “Quartet Champion” Award.

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Ray Walker (Posthumous) - Ray was a resonant Bass singer, a longtime chapter member, and a chapter officer. Ray performed in several registered and “pick-up” chapter quartets. Ray served for many years as the chapter publicity chair, newsletter editor, and show chair. Ray also co-wrote several Garden Statesmen Annual shows. Additional contributions include, but are not limited to, coordinating learning tracks for new music and volunteering for the District’s Festival of Harmony – a youth outreach initiative.

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Joe Ciccione – A reliable/active member of the Garden Statesmen. For over 20 years, Joe has served the chapter in countless ways. As the Chapter Treasurer for the past eight years, Joe has brought order and stability to the chapter’s finances. Joe is more than just a reliable bass player and performer in “PayDay!”; he has also been a strong fundraiser for chapter activities and has led efforts in set design and construction for annual shows and performances.

Ritchie Lavene – As the Director of the Garden Statesmen from 2003 to 2013, Ritchie Lavene took the singing level and membership of the Garden Statesmen to new heights (including the District Contest Stage every year). At a time when the chapter’s active membership was struggling, Ritchie exponentially. increased the size of the chorus and made the Garden Statesmen a more entertaining and polished performance ensemble.

Mickey Levitan – Mickey was an active member of the Garden Statesmen for over 25 years. As a reliable Baritone, Mickey served in several chapter officer positions, including multiple terms as the Chapter President. Mickey received multiple Chapter “Barbershopper of the Year” awards and was instrumental in marketing the chorus for performances throughout the community. Mickey has served multiple times as the Annual Show Chair and has received several “men of note” awards.

John Yates – The only remaining Charter Member of the Garden Statesmen, John has maintained his membership for 54 years. John was the first Assistant Director of the Chapter and became Director of the Garden Statesmen from 1979 to 1983. In his active days with the chapter, John served in many roles, including those of Section Leader, Singing Coach, and Song Arranger. To this day, the chapter seeks and appreciates John’s wise counsel and advice.