Orland Park officials proclaimed July 20, 2026, Marilyn Harlan Day, honoring the former trustee as the first woman to serve on the village board and celebrating her 90th birthday.
Harlan served with distinction as a village trustee for many years, playing a pivotal role in foundational development and growth of Orland Park. S
he was instrumental in bringing Lake Michigan water to the village — a project that shaped the community’s long-term development and quality of life.
She also helped establish Centennial Park and the Civic Center, two landmarks that define the village’s public spaces. After leaving the board, Harlan continued serving the community as the first director of the Civic Center Authority and in several other official village capacities and civic organizations.
“Marilyn Harlan made history and paved the way for future generations by becoming the very first woman to serve on the Orland Park Village Board,” Mayor James Dodge said in reading the proclamation.
Matt Lulich, who served with Harlan on the Civic Center Authority Board in the early 1990s, recalled her as a mentor.
“I was still a fairly young guy with a couple of relevant degrees, but I learned so much from Marilyn about local government and about how to serve your community with honor and distinction,” Lulich said. “I found her to be steadfast, a very tough and seasoned politician, but also a person with a great sense of humor and empathy and pride for her community.”
Former Trustee Penny O’Sullivan, who served alongside Harlan on the board, helped organize the recognition event.
Harlan thanked everyone in attendance.
“I really appreciate this,” she said. “This is unexpected. It was a good surprise, but I really appreciate it. And I appreciate what I’ve done here.”
