Beloved Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt of Loyola-Chicago Dies at 106

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the cherished chaplain of the Loyola-Chicago men’s basketball team, passed away at the age of 106, as announced by the university on the evening of October 26, 2023. Known for her wisdom and unwavering support, Sister Jean became a household name during the Ramblers’ remarkable run to the NCAA Final Four in 2018.

In a heartfelt statement, Mark C. Reed, the president of Loyola University Chicago, expressed the profound impact Sister Jean had on the university community. He stated, “In many roles at Loyola over the course of more than 60 years, Sister Jean was an invaluable source of wisdom and grace for generations of students, faculty, and staff. While we feel grief and a sense of loss, there is great joy in her legacy.”

Born Dolores Bertha Schmidt on August 21, 1919, Sister Jean joined Loyola-Chicago in 1991. She became involved with the basketball program in 1994, initially serving as an academic adviser before stepping into the role of chaplain. Due to health issues, she retired in August 2023.

Sister Jean gained national fame during the 2018 NCAA tournament, where the Ramblers, as a No. 11 seed, achieved an unexpected journey to the Final Four. At the age of 98, she was the team’s most prominent supporter, offering prayers and encouragement before each game. Her positive message resonated with players and fans alike: “If we lose, don’t sweat it; it just wasn’t meant to be.”

Star guard Clayton Custer remarked at the time, “She’s an incredible person,” a sentiment echoed by fans across the nation. Sister Jean’s popularity surged, leading to the production of bobbleheads, apparel, and numerous national television interviews. Her presence became a symbol of hope and spirit throughout the tournament, with T-shirts proclaiming “Win One for the Nun!” during their match against Michigan.

Sister Jean’s influence extended beyond the basketball court. On her 100th birthday, Loyola-Chicago established a scholarship fund in her name, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker declared August 21, 2019, “Sister Jean Day.” In 2022, the plaza at the Chicago train station near Loyola’s campus was renamed to honor her, displaying a sign reading “Home of the World Famous Sister Jean!”

Even after her retirement, Sister Jean remained connected to the team. In 2021, she was able to travel to Indianapolis for the NCAA tournament, where she provided a motivational prayer and strategic insights before a significant game against top-seeded Illinois. Her guidance contributed to a stunning upset, allowing the Ramblers to advance to the Sweet 16.

Former coach Porter Moser fondly remembered Sister Jean, noting, “She still sends me an email after every single game. There is no human like her.”

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations, as her spirit and compassion touched countless lives at Loyola-Chicago and beyond.