Cherry Hill Seminary Holds Historic First Ordination
For Immediate ReleaseDate: Saturday, March 21, 2026 Columbia, S.C.—Cherry Hill Seminary held a service of ordination on Saturday, March 21, 2026 for five of its graduates: Vanessa F. Hurst, CMC; Jeffrey M. Keefer, Certified Spiritual Director; Julie Olson, CMC; Troy Alan Robinson, CMC; and Jenny Zappala, CMC. Each of the ordinands completed a thorough course of study, including…Continue reading→
Welcome Explorer
During the second year of the Spiritual Direction Certificate program, students work with three people, for free, as a practicum. If you are interested in doing spiritual direction work, please click a website/email link for the students below and book a “get to know you” appointment. The two of you then can discern if you…Continue reading→
Congratulations to Our Newest Graduates
Columbia, S.C. — Cherry Hill Seminary held its Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 20, announcing five new graduates. Following her keynote address Academic Dean Dr. Margo Wolfe presented diplomas for Master of Divinity to Dr. Angela Farmer and Rev. Arran Morton. Angela has taught at the university level for over a decade and has mentored…Continue reading→
Dr. David Oringderff receives the Hypatia Award for Excellence in Education
Columbia, S.C. — Cherry Hill Seminary held its Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 20, announcing five new graduates. During the same ceremony, Academic Dean Margo Wolfe presented the Hypatia Award for Excellence in Education to Dr. David Oringderff. The Hypatia Award for Excellence in Education recognizes lifetime achievement by distinguished individuals who have served the…Continue reading→
2025 Professor of the Year Michael Strmiska
Columbia, S.C. — Cherry Hill Seminary held its Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 20, announcing five new graduates. During the same ceremony, Votaries Alumni Circle Chair, Helene Grogan announced the 2025 Professor of the Year. Each year the Votaries Alumni Circle of Cherry Hill Seminary invites student nominations for the prestigious Wendy Griffin Professor of…Continue reading→
Winter Commencement – Join Us Dec 20 on Zoom
Cherry Hill Seminary invites you to join us for the Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 20 at 3:00 PM ET. We’ll recognize several graduates, and Votaries will award Professor of the Year. Click to register for Zoom link
Q&A for Ecospirituality and Spiritual Direction Certificates on Nov 18, 2025
Curious about spiritual direction? ecospirituality? Rev. Amy Beltaine and Jeffrey Keefer will discuss two of our certificates opening up in the spring and answer all your questions. Click to register for Zoom link
2024 Professor of the Year Keith Cates
Columbia, S.C. — During a virtual graduation ceremony on Sunday, December 17, 2023 the Votaries Alumni Circle of Cherry Hill Seminary announced the winner of this year’s Wendy Griffin Professor of the Year Award. The recipient is Keith Cates, PhD, EdS, Dept. of Pastoral Counseling & Chaplaincy. Cates (pictured at left) received his Ph.D. In…Continue reading→
Samhain Kispum: A Ritual for the Honored Dead on Oct 30, 2025
This Samhain, as the veil thins and shadows stir, join us in sacred remembrance.Step into the ancient rhythm of Kispum, a 5,000-year-old Mesopotamian ritual of ancestor veneration that bridges worlds. In this immersive rite, Silent, Pagan priest, student of Spiritual Direction at CHS, and end-of-life doula, will guide us through a ceremonial act of libation…Continue reading→
Announcing Ordination for Cherry Hill Seminary Graduates
Columbia, S.C. — Cherry Hill Seminary will accept applications for Seminary ordination its program graduates, by vote of the Board of Directors. Board Chair Dana Doerksen said, “Cherry Hill Seminary is proud to establish a clear path to ordination, ensuring that our graduates’ rigorous education and formation are recognized in a way that reflects their…Continue reading→
