The Sister Henry Suso Scholarship

Sister Henry Suso Fletcher, O.P. became the president of the College in 1967 and served in this position for the next ten years.  She was a native of Chattanooga and was educated by the Dominican sisters at Notre Dame High School. She entered the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia in 1937 and professed vows in 1939. During her time leading the college she was determined to make Aquinas known in the Nashville community. To that end, she initiated enrichment programs to more actively engage with the mid-state community. She also was the force behind the professional degree programs in criminal justice and allied health that added at Aquinas during that period. The growth that characterized her administration of the College also extended to the physical campus with tennis courts, a baseball field, and a gymnasium (known as the Aquinas Center) all being built while she was president.

Sister Henry Suso had a great devotion to Saint Jude the Apostle, the patron saint of difficult cases. One former Aquinas co-worker fondly remembers Sister’s frequent refrain of “Don’t forget about Saint Jude!” She even initially proposed having the Aquinas Center named the ‘Thaddeus Center.’ [It seems fitting, then, that one of her assignments as a Dominican sister was to serve for four years as the principal of St. Jude School in Chattanooga.]

In an interview with the student newspaper, Sister Henry Suso explained that her goal was to provide for the individual needs of the students and to provide opportunities for them during their time at Aquinas. The Sister Henry Suso Scholarship continues her efforts by providing financial assistance for students currently studying at Aquinas College.

A Prayer to St. Jude

Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He brings visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly -(make your request here)- and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.