Victor Parsonnet receives nomination to NJ Hall of Fame
The New Jersey Hall of Fame has nominated NJSO Board Chairman Emeritus Victor Parsonnet for entrance in its Class of 2014; the public can vote to decide the Hall of Fame’s inductees until June 20.
An internationally acclaimed heart surgeon, Parsonnet performed the state’s first heart transplant and pacemaker implant. A passionate advocate for the arts and for New Jersey, he has dedicated 28 years of service to the NJSO and has devoted himself to improving the state’s arts, healthcare and social-outreach efforts.
Parsonnet is one of 10 New Jersey Hall of Fame nominees in the enterprise category, which encompasses scientists, business leaders, inventors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists. The Hall of Fame writes: “A cardiac surgeon, [Parsonnet] contributed significantly to the fields of cardiology and pacemaker technology. He also performed the first coronary bypass surgery in New Jersey and co-founded two major heart associations. He is also well regarded as a champion for the New Jersey Symphony, which he led for many years.”
Dr. Victor Parsonnet is a 2014 nominee to the @NJHallofFame - See why in our story about the doctor & the @NJSymphony http://t.co/PRAuiaqahB
— State of the Arts NJ (@SOTA_NJ) May 30, 2014
The NJSO has named Parsonnet the honoree for the Orchestra’s 2014 Opening Night Celebration, which kicks off the NJSO’s 2014–15 season on October 10 at NJPAC in Newark. In 2008, the NJSO established the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra—Victor Parsonnet, M.D., Leadership Award, a legacy award that recognized Parsonnet’s outstanding commitment to the quality and enrichment of life through an active role in the arts.
“Victor Parsonnet’s legacy is truly extraordinary,” NJSO Board Co-Chairs Ruth C. Lipper and Stephen Sichak Jr. say. “As a gifted surgeon, he has pioneered the development of procedures and technologies that have saved and enhanced countless lives. As a devoted arts patron, he has been an inspirational leader not only for the NJSO, which he has served for nearly 30 years, but also for the arts and culture of the entire state. Victor’s nomination to the New Jersey Hall of Fame is a richly deserved honor, and we are proud to cast our votes for him.”
Online voting for the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2014 is open through midnight on June 20—cast your vote for Parsonnet and other Garden State luminaries here.