Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, known affectionately as "Sister Jean," has passed away at the age of 106, according to Loyola University Chicago. The university announced her death, acknowledging the deep impact she made as team chaplain for the men's basketball team and her more than half-century of service to the school. Her tenure at Loyola saw her wear many hats, but she was perhaps most loved for her spirited support during the Ramblers' Cinderella run during the 2018 NCAA tournament.
"This is a tremendous loss of someone who touched the lives of so many people. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts & prayers during this difficult time," said the university in a statement obtained by ABC News. Sister Jean, who retired earlier this year citing health concerns, had been a fixture in the Loyola community, with her presence courtside in the team’s colors being a highlight for many fans and a recurring sight during the 2018 March Madness coverage. Despite her retirement, she continued to serve as an adviser and a beacon of love and compassion for the university.
Having reached a grand 106 years of age, Sister Jean's journey with Loyola began in 1961 when she took up a job at Mundelein College, which later affiliated with Loyola in 1991. Her memoir, "Wake Up with Purpose!: What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years," released two years ago, provided insights into the centenarian’s life and her philosophy on the role of sports in developing life skills intertwined with faith and purpose. Sister Jean became an official part of the basketball team's staff in 1994, first as an academic adviser and later as the team chaplain.
Mark C. Reed, the President of Loyola, emphasized Sister Jean's legacy in a statement saying, "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.” according to NBC Chicago. The university community continues to celebrate Sister Jean’s legacy, which abides in thousands of lives, with Reed adding, "Her presence was a profound blessing for our entire community and her spirit abides in thousands of lives. In her honor, we can aspire to share with others the love and compassion Sister Jean shared with us." The details of her funeral arrangements have not yet been released but are expected to be shared by the school in due course.
A San Francisco native, Sister Jean joined the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1937, before her long affiliation with Loyola began. Her life's journey was rooted in education and spirituality, touching numerous lives through her dedication to students and athletes alike. The university continues to mourn her loss, while celebrating the remarkable centenarian who lived her life to the fullest, always with a sense of purpose and an unwavering faith in the potential of every individual she met.
