Holli Emore

While tempus is fugiting, as my mother used to say (or time flying), we blinked and suddenly Cherry Hill Seminary was more than a decade old, and then we realized that some of our beloved faculty have been with us a Really Long Time.  For the next few newsletters we will be honoring each of four movers and shakers who have graced the halls of CHS since at least 2003, and one since at least 2001.  Each of them is receiving a special handmade seminary medallion as a token of our deep appreciation for their long support.

When these stories are posted on our Facebook page, we hope that those of you who have been a student in the classroom of one of these fine educators will take time to go post your congratulations and memories.

The first person we wish to honor is Aline O'Brien, also known as M. Macha NightMare.  Many people love and admire Macha, but few know just how much she has given, sacrificed, even, over the years for CHS.  

Macha became involved early on when Cat Chapin-Bishop taught the very first online course and invited Macha and Judy Harrow to attend the class.  It was Boundaries and Ethics, now required for every CHS student, and Macha was hooked from then on.  First she developed a course called Call of the Dark Mother, about issues around the life passage of dying.  It's been a perennial for CHS ever since.  Soon, Macha was doing publicity for CHS as well as chairing the fledgling Public Ministry department. 

I met her in January 2006 when I flew out for a CHS retreat held up in the redwood forests of northern California. 

That was when I learned of Macha's passion for archiving modern Pagan history, and her desire to see CHS grow and thrive.  Eventually, Macha would serve several other roles, including Board member and Board chair.  

But at least as important as these has been her dedication to mentoring and supporting me since found Kirk White brought me on as board chair in January 2007, then my hiring in January 2008.  Macha has been a regular donor, and has tirelessly recruited other donors, board members, students and faculty (and a wonderful Academic Dean) - for more than twelve years.  

It is hard to imagine CHS without Macha, and we certainly would not have been the same without her magickal presence.  Thank you, Macha - a deep bow to you, and applause.