A Lasting Legacy: Sue Schmid Morrison ’57 Honors Her Mother with Lillian Theater Funding

Growing up, Sue Schmid Morrison ’57 lived just a stone’s throw from Derham Hall. Her mom, Lillian, and her dad, Jack, raised five children in Saint Paul and made sure they all had strong Catholic education.

As first generation Americans, both of her parents were born to immigrants from Germany and had to learn a lot in a short time. Her mom could not even speak English until the nuns at a Catholic school in northern Minnesota helped her learn the language.

“I am so grateful to my parents for making sure we all had Catholic education,” Morrison said.

She described her dad as a hard-working, blue-collar man who believed the biggest gift he could give his children was an education, even though it was a struggle financially. Her mom was resourceful and was always helping and volunteering. She nurtured her children and was ‘the perfect mom,’ according to Morrison.

“Our family made it work, but we definitely benefited from the schools’ generosity with assistance,” she continued. “Scholarships meant I could go!”

Derham Hall, located on the campus of the College of St. Catherine, gave Morrison not only a great education, but taught her the love of learning. “I loved the Sisters and all our teachers — they were so fabulous and dedicated!” She describes the impact of learning French in school and how it came alive because of her professor. Later, when she was able to visit France as an adult, she was brought to tears because it brought back so many memories of how her teachers gave her the world even without the travel.

She also learned to reach above herself for the good of others. The Sisters supported the girls spiritually and challenged them to go out in the world as other-centered people.

Her Derham Hall years were formative in so many ways. “For me, I have felt such a bond among my friends from Derham Hall,” Morrison explains. As small as it was, she values the connection with her fellow students and friends. She treasures the fact they not only grew up together, but they still help each other out.

Morrison was well equipped to go on to college where she studied nursing and continued to grow in faith. In fact, one of the most moving experiences in her life was the chance to use her nursing skills in Lourdes, France eight years ago at the Shrine of Bernadette where people flock for healing.

“Someone asked me how many miracles I saw there,” she recalled. “I could never say for sure, but it was so moving to work with those who sought miracles. It was truly amazing to connect with these people who were experiencing such real healing of the human spirit.”

Today, the sense of connection that is so important to Sue and John is focused on their family. They have four children, three daughters and a son. Her 14 grandchildren are her treasures. “We are blessed to be able to simply enjoy our grandchildren!”

Support for The Lillian Theater

In honor of her own Derham Hall experience and her belief in Cretin-Derham Hall and the educational needs of the students, she and John became an advocate for the construction of CDH’s Lillian Theater in the early 1990s. The Morrisons' generosity enabled the theater to be built in a former gym space, creating a space for creativity and innovation for generations to come. They named the new theater in honor of her mom, Lillian.

Many of her family members joined her and John at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Lillian Theater in January. She was very proud to witness the impact of the Lillian Theater on the hundreds of young people who have participated on and around that stage over the past 25 years. “I was struck by how many different paths were taken by our alumni after CDH. No matter where they ended up, they all said this theater gave them a chance to be who they are. For some, this launched a career, but all of them said it changed their lives one way or another.”

Morrison values the CDH community’s dedication to helping each student be the best he/she could be. “The reputation of CDH as a caring and supportive environment for students is well respected within our community.”

Because so many at the anniversary celebration reflected on how it felt like ‘coming home,’ the naming of the theater for Sue’s mom was particularly meaningful for Sue, who intended to honor her mother and her home.

The sense of home was prevalent. “Our children and grandchildren were so struck by the warmth of the community and the commitment and love of the school for its students and alumni.”

"I was struck by how many different paths were taken by our alumni after CDH," reflected Morrison.  "No matter where they ended up, they (alumni) all said this theater gave them a chance to be who they are.  For some, this launched a career, but all of them said it changed their lives one way or another."

She was very honored to receive the Lillian Legacy Award prior to The Big Show.

“We were surprised by the lovely award, but are proud that our support has become a gift that keeps giving to this excellent theater program and the school.”

This article and more are featured in the Winter 2018-19 issue of Traditions. 

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Don't miss the next Lillian Theater performance!

Thanks in part to the generosity of Morrison, our current theater program is thriving. Under the direction of our new theater director, Cullen Wiley '16, our children's show, Frozen, Jr. will be playing December 6-15, 2024.

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