Oak Brook’s Swearing-In Ceremony Ignites Unity and Hope for a Thriving Future Oak

Lighting the Path: Oak Brook’s Vibrant Ceremony for New Leadership

Harmony in Oath: Oak Brook Welcomes Trustees with Heart and Heritage

 

 

Chicago, IL: On May 13, 2025, the Samuel Dean Board Room at the Butler Government Centre in Oak Brook, IL, pulsed with civic pride as the village celebrated the re-election of Trustees Melissa Martin, Suresh Reddy, and James Nagle. This vibrant swearing-in ceremony, infused with spiritual depth, community engagement, and heartfelt pledges, marked a pivotal moment for Oak Brook. The Village Honor Guard’s solemn colours, Anu Malhotra’s transcendent invocation, and Judge Neal Cerne’s oath administration wove a tapestry of tradition and progress, setting an inspiring tone for the trustees’ new term.

 

Key Speakers and Their Messages the evening began with Village President Larry Herman’s warm welcome, framing the ceremony as a celebration of shared values. “This election was a testament to our residents’ resolve,” he said, urging unity in serving Oak Brook’s best interests. His call for integrity and collaboration set an optimistic tone, emphasizing a collective vision for peace and prosperity.

 

Anu Malhotra, a Hindu priestess and founder of Mindful Meditation Yoga, delivered a captivating invocation that elevated the event’s spiritual resonance. “Namaste,” she greeted, expressing gratitude for officiating. Leading the audience in chanting “Om” three times, she explained, “This primordial sound symbolizes unity and divine presence.” Her recitation of the Gayatri Mantra invoked wisdom, followed by a fire-lighting ritual with Trustees Reddy, Martin, and Nagle. “Fire embodies strength, aspiration, and light to dispel darkness,” she noted, as sandalwood’s fragrance filled the room. Malhotra’s blessing with flower petals—“May you be filled with joy, peace, and wisdom”—culminated in a prayer for global harmony: “Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.” Her words left a lasting impression, blending cultural richness with universal hope.

 

The oath administration by Judge Neal Cerne, a DuPage County associate judge and son of former Village President Glenn Cerny, was a solemn highlight. Cerne, who grew up with Herman, administered oaths to Martin, Nagle, and Reddy, who pledged to uphold the U.S. and Illinois constitutions. Reddy’s oath, sworn on the Gita, Bible, Quran, Buddhist Dharmapada ant Adi granth symbolized inclusivity, earning nods of approval from the audience.

 

The trustees’ acceptance speeches were deeply personal. Melissa Martin, with humour and emotion, shared her Texas roots, where a McDonald’s opening was monumental. “That I serve in McDonald’s headquarters village is weird karma,” she said, voice trembling. “I’m so grateful for this worldly community.” James Nagle, concise yet resolute, thanked voters and rallied, “We have a lot of work to do—let’s get started.” Suresh Reddy, beginning his second term, spoke passionately: “This victory belongs to every resident who believes in a united Oak Brook. Let us build bridges.” He thanked his wife, Leela, and son, Rohan, pledging “integrity, transparency, and purpose.”

 

Trustee Ef Tiesenga offered a philosophical reflection, citing Jacob Bronowski’s Western Intellectual Tradition. “The core value here is the right to make a case for change,” he said, praising the democratic process and Oak Brook’s unique guidance by founder Paul Butler’s vision. His remarks underscored the board’s strength and the trustees’ re-election as a mandate for progress.

 

Event Highlights and Minute Details The ceremony’s atmosphere buzzed with warmth, from the Honor Guard’s precise movements to the scent of sandalwood during Malhotra’s ritual. Attendees clapped enthusiastically as flower petals showered the trustees, a moment of shared blessing. Cerne’s light-hearted exchange with Nagle—“You picked the judge who beat me in the courtroom!”—drew chuckles, humanizing the formal proceedings. The audience’s attentive silence during the oaths contrasted with lively chatter at the West Queen Conference Room reception, where glasses clinked in toasts. Photographers captured the trustees’ smiles, with Reddy’s inclusive oath sparking whispers of admiration for Oak Brook’s diversity.

 

Conclusion the May 13 swearing-in ceremony was more than a formal induction; it was a celebration of Oak Brook’s unity, resilience, and forward-looking spirit. Malhotra’s invocation, the trustees’ heartfelt commitments, and the community’s engaged voices underscored a collective dedication to progress. As Oak Brook stands at a pivotal moment, this event reaffirmed its values of inclusivity and collaboration, setting the stage for a vibrant future. Asian Media USA proudly amplifies this milestone, honouring the leaders who will shape Oak Brook’s legacy.

 

“This ceremony exemplified Oak Brook’s inclusive spirit, with Anu Malhotra’s blessings and the trustees’ pledges inspiring hope. As a champion of unity through events like International Yoga Day, I applaud Oak Brook’s leadership for fostering a community that thrives on diversity and collaboration” Mr. Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA.