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 2023

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At its meeting of December 7, 2022, the Princeton Chapter Board of Directors unanimously accepted the recommendations of the Class of 2023 Hall of Fame Nominating Committee for the induction of the following distinguished members, past and present, to the Garden Statesmen Hall of Fame:

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• 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 story telling 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, 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; longtime chapter member; and chapter officer. Ray performed in several registered and “pick-up” chapter quartets. Ray served 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 were 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 and performer in “PayDay!”; he has contributed as a strong fund-raiser for chapter activities and lead 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 served multiple times as the Annual Show Chair and possesses several “men of note” awards.

• John Yates – The only remaining Charter Member of the Garden Statesmen, John has maintained his membership with the Garden Statesmen 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.