Sister Jean — Loyola Chicago superfan, March Madness icon — retires weeks after celebrating 106th birthday
Sister Jean Says Farewell After Over Half a Century at Loyola Chicago
The legendary Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the 106-year-old superfan and beloved team chaplain of the Loyola Chicago men’s basketball program, has retired after more than 50 years of offering encouragement and support to students and athletes.
A member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sister Jean concluded her decades-long career at Loyola University Chicago just shy of one month after celebrating her 106th birthday, according to the student publication The Loyola Phoenix.
Loyola’s Vice President of Communications, Christian Andersen, confirmed Sister Jean’s retirement and her decision to step back from official duties in a statement to the outlet. “We are mindful of Sister’s privacy regarding her health and cannot comment beyond what was mentioned in her August 21 message,” Andersen said.
In that birthday message, Loyola University Chicago President Mark C. Reed revealed that Sister Jean was no longer able to be physically present on campus but remains a beloved friend, trusted advisor, and loyal Rambler.
### A National Icon
Sister Jean rose to national fame by appearing courtside during Loyola men’s basketball games, especially during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. She became known for leading prayers in the locker room and cheering on the Ramblers from her wheelchair. That year, the team advanced all the way to the Final Four before losing to the Michigan Wolverines, 69–57.
Her absence was first noticed by students earlier this year, as she was not present at the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) semifinals in April.
### Health Challenges and Retirement
In August, Sister Jean shared that she was experiencing a bad summer cold along with other health issues, which prevented her from celebrating her birthday on Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus, located along the shores of Lake Michigan.
“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,” Sister Jean said in a statement posted alongside President Reed’s message. “That makes me very sad.”
She added, “Although this year I am unable to be at the party with you in person, I celebrate with you in spirit.”
### A Legacy of Dedication
Born in San Francisco, California, Sister Jean earned a master’s degree from Loyola University Los Angeles. She began her teaching career at Mundelein College in Chicago in 1961 and held several important roles there over the years, including acting dean, director of summer sessions, director of Coffey Hall, associate dean, director of academic services, and vice president for academic affairs — all before Mundelein affiliated with Loyola in 1991.
Sister Jean became the official chaplain of the men’s basketball team in 1996, a role through which she touched countless lives.
Her inspiring leadership and spirit have also been captured in her book, *Wake Up with Purpose! What I’ve Learned in My First 100 Years*, which was published in 2023.
Sister Jean’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter at Loyola University Chicago, but her influence and legacy will continue to inspire the Ramblers community for generations to come.
https://nypost.com/2025/09/24/sports/loyola-chicago-superfan-sister-jean-retires-at-106-after-decades-long-career-after-recent-health-issues/
