Loyola University Chicago’s biggest college basketball fan is finally getting a chance to kick her feet up.
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, who became a folk hero during Loyola’s Cinderella run to the Final Four in 2018, has retired from her duties at the university at the age of 106.
Schmidt, known simply as Sister Jean, had served as campus minister and chaplain of the Ramblers men’s basketball team since 1991.
“Sister Jean is retiring and stepping back from official duties at Loyola,” Loyola’s Vice President of Communications, Christian Andersen, told The Loyola Phoenix earlier this month.
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Loyola President Mark Reed also confirmed Sister Jean’s retirement to The Athletic on Wednesday, September 24, saying, “She will always be an integral member of our community.”
Concerns about Sister Jean’s health were raised when she failed to attend Loyola Chicago’s NIT semifinal game in April.
“We are mindful of Sister’s privacy in regards to health and can’t comment beyond what was mentioned in her birthday message,” Anderson told the Phoenix.
To celebrate her 106th birthday on August 21, Sister Jean wrote a letter to the Loyola Chicago community.
“Yes, it is my 106th birthday,” she wrote. “Birthdays are special days, and this one is also very special. In fact, I am unable to be there because I have a bad summer cold and other health issues so it has been decided that I should not go to Lake Shore Campus to be with you on my birthday. That makes me very sad, but you can still celebrate.”
She continued, “To the Students: Make new friends. Talk to your old friends. Enjoy your move-in and your preparations for class. I will be with you in spirit and love and prayer. These things are very important in your life as you adjust to your new ‘home away from home’ at Loyola University. Your parents have entrusted you to our care. We appreciate that trust.”
Sister Jean said it had been “wonderful for me to be with you these years and to watch you grow spiritually, intellectually, and socially, and to see the friends you’ve made.”
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“Although this year I am unable to be at the party with you in person, I celebrate with you in spirit,” she concluded. “God bless you and Go Ramblers!”
In addition to her professional duties at the school, Sister Jean helped to establish the Sister Jean Scholarship Fund, which continues to support Loyola Chicago students in need.
Sister Jean became an indelible part of the Ramblers’ NCAA Tournament run, attending all of their games decked out in maroon and gold. She continued to support the basketball team in subsequent seasons.
In 2023, she published her memoir, “Wake Up With Purpose! What I’ve Learned in My First 100 Years.”
