Sister Jean Retires at 106 After Loyola Chicago Basketball Fame
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the beloved chaplain of Loyola University Chicago, has officially retired from her public duties at the remarkable age of 106.
She built a reputation for her unwavering support of the Loyola Ramblers basketball team. Sister Jean captured the hearts of sports fans nationwide during the team’s surprising run to the men’s Final Four in 2018.
Who is Sister Jean?
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Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt joined Loyola University Chicago in 1991. She became the men’s basketball team chaplain three years later.
Over the decades, she became a fixture on campus. People knew her for her pregame prayers, scouting reports, and her warm greetings to students.
Her dedication to the university and its students made her an irreplaceable part of Loyola’s daily life. You could always find her somewhere, chatting with students or staff.
The Rise to Fame
Sister Jean’s profile soared during the 2018 NCAA Tournament. Loyola, a No. 11 seed, advanced to the Final Four, and suddenly, everyone wanted to know more about this spirited nun on the sidelines.
Cameras often caught her courtside, decked out in her maroon-and-gold scarf. She quickly became a national symbol of the Ramblers’ underdog story, embraced by both Loyola fans and the larger sports world.
Legacy and Impact
Even as she got older, Sister Jean stayed in the spotlight. In 2023, she published Wake Up With Purpose! What I’ve Learned in My First 100 Years, a memoir filled with stories and life lessons.
The book drew national attention and even earned a nod from President Joe Biden. Her influence on Loyola students and fans—well, it’s hard to overstate.
Health Concerns and Retirement
This past spring, Sister Jean missed Loyola’s NIT men’s semifinal game, and people started to worry about her health. Now, with her retirement from active campus life, the university community is reflecting on her legacy.
Loyola President Mark Reed said that Sister Jean’s spirit will always be a part of the school, even if she’s not as visible these days. “She will always be an integral member of our community,” he said.
The Sister Jean Scholarship Fund
Besides her role as chaplain, Sister Jean helped create the Sister Jean Scholarship Fund. This scholarship continues to support Loyola students who need a little extra help.
It’s really a testament to her commitment to education and her desire to see students succeed. Her legacy lives on through the many students who benefit from this fund.
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt is retiring, and honestly, it’s hard not to feel a little sentimental about it. Her time at Loyola University Chicago shaped the place in ways that are tough to measure.
She poured her heart into the university. Anyone who’s watched her cheer for the basketball team knows just how much she cared.
Students and fans always felt her warmth and encouragement. Sister Jean became more than a campus figure—she’s a legend around here.
If you’re curious about the details or just want to see what all the fuss is about, check out the full article on the New York Times.