Awards & Honorees

Join us as we honor individuals whose exemplary contributions to public service and civic life have made a meaningful impact.

Distinguished Lifetime Achievement and Civility in Politics and Government Awards

These awards recognize distinguished individuals whose careers reflect extraordinary public service, visionary leadership, and a legacy of integrity in civic life.

27 years in Education 

Dr. Salmon was a Hall of Fame Educator, Coach, and K-12 Administrator. Dr. Salmon and his wife Marilyn together were educators in the Millville Public Schools for 52 years and taught over 7,000 students who are now 44 to 78 years old.  

26 years in Government 

Dr. Salmon received numerous awards and honors as the Mayor of Millville, Cumberland County Freeholder Director, New Jersey State Assemblyman, President of the N.J. Board of Public Utilities, and a member of Governor Florio’s Cabinet. 

27 years in Business and Industry 

Dr. Salmon was the founder and president of four successful companies working throughout New Jersey and America: AUS Pathways; Salmon Ventures Ltd.; New Jersey Energy Coalition; and Living Legacy. 

32 years of leadership in the oldest trade organization in Washington, DC - NARUC 

Dr. Salmon was an elected leader and convention speaker for the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC) from 1991 to 2023. Dr. Salmon and his wife Marilyn attended over 200 conferences held in all the major cities in the United States of America.

These awards recognize distinguished individuals whose careers reflect extraordinary public service, visionary leadership, and a legacy of integrity in civic life. Dr. Salmon’s decades of work in government, energy policy, and civic engagement exemplify both the spirit and substance of both awards. Dr. Salmon was the driving force behind the creation of the Hughes Center. His selfless dedication to public service, his advocacy for the energy and utility resources of the state of New Jersey, and his contribution to education deserve this recognition. Dr. Salmon has been a ‘giver’ his entire life to his family, his community, and New Jersey at large. From his early service in the New Jersey General Assembly - where he earned respect across the aisle for your practical leadership and statesmanship - to his appointment as President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, he has consistently placed the public interest above partisanship. His focus on long-term solutions, particularly in energy infrastructure, economic development, and regulatory reform, has left an enduring impact on the state and its future.  As Chairman of Salmon Ventures Ltd., Dr. Salmon continued to guide municipalities and public agencies with wisdom and clarity, earning a reputation as a trusted voice in public policy. Equally important has been his unwavering commitment to civil discourse. In a time when public trust in institutions and leaders is often tested, Dr. Salmon has modeled humility, collegiality, and respect for democratic values - hallmarks of the civility Congressman William J. Hughes stood for. His career is a testament to what leadership in public life should be: honest, principled, and committed to making government work for all. We are honored to celebrate his lifetime of contributions and his continuing influence in New Jersey’s civic and political landscape.

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Excellence in Civic Engagement Award

This award recognizes individuals whose dedication to civic life has made a profound and enduring impact on the strength of communities and the vitality of democratic institutions.

Christina's prior work in New Jersey state government, and now President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey exemplifies this standard of leadership and engagement. Through her tireless advocacy, strategic insight, and collaborative spirit, she has elevated the role of the Chamber as a powerful convener and catalyst for economic development, public-private partnership, and regional progress. Her leadership has been particularly notable for building connections between the business sector, elected officials, and civic stakeholders, ensuring that diverse voices are included in shaping policy and opportunity across South Jersey. Under her guidance, the Chamber has become a vital platform for civic dialogue and regional problem-solving. From championing small business recovery efforts to amplifying the needs of underrepresented communities, you have demonstrated how civic engagement can lead to concrete change—and how leadership rooted in service and accessibility can help communities thrive.

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Community Leadership Award

This award recognizes individuals who exemplify civic-minded leadership and who have made lasting contributions to the public good through vision, service, and action.

Cassie Iacovelli served as the Executive Director of MainStreet Hammonton for 15 years and retired in July 2023.  During her tenure, community bonds were strengthened, significant economic vitality expanded in Downtown Hammonton and Hammonton became a destination for arts, events, shopping, dining and craft beverages; leading Hammonton to be honored as one of the “Great Places in New Jersey” by the American Planning Association.  Cassie also served on the Hammonton Arts Advisory Committee, Hammonton Health Coalition, Hammonton Covid Relief Economic Impact Committee and Hammonton Pedestrian & Bike Steering Committee. In 2022, she was proudly honored as an “Inclusion Pathfinder” by Allies in Caring, a local non-profit, for her contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Hammonton was one of six South Jersey towns selected to receive a $100,000 grant from the Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ); aimed to strengthen relationships and encourage a sense of solidarity in South Jersey communities. For five years, Cassie served as the Program Coordinator initiating the Community Heart and Soul model. This community-wide and resident driven engagement and planning process generated the data needed to develop Community Value Statements that reflected what matters most to the Hammonton community and the development of a Community Plan of Action to enhance Hammonton now and in the future. The final phase of this project was the creation of a Hammonton Community Endowment, made possible through a challenge grant in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Cassie now serves on the Hammonton Community Endowment Advisory Board tasked with building on the momentum of Hammonton Heart and Soul’s process and fostering endowment building to provide community grants to ensure Hammonton remains a strong, healthy and vibrant community.

Prior to her position in Hammonton, Cassie was employed at Rider University from 1980-2008. Her final position was Assistant Dean of Campus Life. Upon her retirement from Rider University, a Cassie D Iacovelli Endowed Scholarship was established and is now awarded annually to a sophomore or junior student leader who is in good academic standing.  The Cassie D Iacovelli Student Government Award is given each year to a full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing who serves in student government.  Cassie holds a Master of Education in Student Personnel Services from The College of New Jersey and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Seton Hall University. Cassie has lived in Hammonton with her husband John since 2008. They are the proud parents of a son John, his wife Bertha, their daughter Joanna and daughter Nicole and her husband Jack Meyers. John and Cassie cherish being grandparents to four grandsons,  Isaac, Jake, Ethan and Pete and a granddaughter, Catherine.

 The charm, tranquility and closeness to the shore are why they love living in Hammonton.

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Distinctive Alumni Leadership Award

This award recognizes Stockton University alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact in public service, civic life, and professional excellence.

As both an accomplished attorney and a dedicated public servant in the New Jersey General Assembly, you exemplify the highest ideals of Stockton’s mission and the enduring legacy of public engagement championed by the late Congressman William J. Hughes. Since graduating from Stockton in 1998, Assemblywoman Rameriz’ career has reflected a steadfast commitment to justice, equity, and advocacy for the people of New Jersey. Whether serving as an attorney at D’Arcy Johnson Day - where she has represented clients with integrity and compassion - or in your current role as Assemblywoman for District 32, her leadership has consistently amplified community voices and advanced policy solutions that improve lives. The Assemblywoman’s legislative work has addressed critical issues ranging from economic development and workers’ rights to public safety and education. She is known by colleagues and constituents alike for her principled approach, collaborative spirit, and devotion to service - a reflection of both her personal values and her Stockton education.  Asw. Ramirez is a passionate advocate for children and victims of sexual assault, seeking justice and holding offenders accountable. Asw. Ramirez has served on the New Jersey Ethics Committee and served as an Eminent Domain Commissioner for the State of N.J., presiding over cases dealing with condemnation and eminent domain. Her work as a contract attorney for the Public Defender’s Office of New Jersey allowed her to represent indigent clients and juveniles. She is (also) a mentor and role model for students. We are proud to count her among our alumni and thrilled to recognize her achievements with this award. Her example inspires current and future generations of Stockton students to lead with courage, integrity, and purpose. 

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Distinctive Student Leadership Award

As a current student at Stockton University, Vlad demonstrates a strong commitment to democratic values, promoting civic and political engagement. In addition to excellence in academics, Vlad has a strong record of leadership on campus. He has served in Student Senate since his freshman year, and his sophomore year he was Vice President of the Student Senate. Vlad is a student Assistant at the Office of Student Development, and an active member of many campus organizations. He is deeply committed to campus service and the interdisciplinary liberal-arts education at Stockton University.