HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge,
founder of the Connecticut Hall of Fame and chairman of its selection
committee, today hosted a formal induction ceremony at which the newest
honorees were revealed and enshrined.
Crisco said four former or current state residents
are included in this year’s class – the fifth group to be so honored.
The four inducted today are Jim Calhoun, Geno Auriemma, A.C. Gilbert and
Roger Sherman.
“Connecticut has been home for so many truly remarkable people over
the years, each of whom made an indelible mark on American history and
each of whom helped define our notable state,” Crisco said.
“This year’s class lives up to standards set
by previous inductees – I couldn’t be more proud of the caliber of
Connecticut residents we’ve chosen.”
“Jim Calhoun’s name and reputation are synonymous with the men’s
highly successful basketball program at the University of Connecticut
and his ongoing legacy also includes his philanthropic and humanitarian
work,” Crisco said.
“Likewise, Geno Auriemma successfully raised
the profile of women’s basketball at UConn and across the nation, with
eight national titles and decades of excellence among scores of
graduating UConn women.”
Crisco said contributions made by this year’s two
other inductees were made previously and are by now part of
Connecticut’s historic fabric.
“A.C. Gilbert won an Olympic Gold Medal in the pole vault, and
received an M.D. from the Yale School of Medicine but made his name and
reputation as an inventor and manufacturer, most notably of the famous
and very popular Erector Set,” Crisco said. “And Roger Sherman was rare among Connecticut’s 18th
century activists – one of the very few to have signed all four
documents that were to become the pillars of
our nation: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the
Articles of Confederation, and the Articles of Association.”
According to its website the Connecticut Hall of Fame is,
“intended to recognize the outstanding achievements of Connecticut
individuals,” and, “serve as an educational tool for the great number of
students who visit the state Capitol and Legislative
Office Building.”
Crisco told all those at today’s event
the Hall of Fame has operated since its inception with no state
funding, reliant instead entirely upon contributions and donations.
This information is taken from a press release from Crisco's office.
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