Sister Jean Bids Farewell

The beloved 106-year-old Sister Jean, known for her unwavering support of Loyola Chicago’s men’s basketball team, has officially retired. After dedicating over fifty years to encouraging both students and athletes, her retirement comes just shy of a month after her 106th birthday.

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, a member of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Charity, concluded her long association with the university, as reported by the Loyola Phoenix earlier this month.

“Sister Jean has retired from her official roles at Loyola,” said Christian Andersen, the university’s Vice President of Communications. He added that they respect her privacy concerning health issues and couldn’t provide further details beyond her August 21 message.

In a birthday message, Loyola Chicago’s president, Mark C. Reid, shared that Sister Jean “can no longer physically be present on campus,” highlighting her role as a cherished friend and trusted advisor.

Sister Jean gained fame during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, making memorable appearances courtside. Although the team reached the Final Four that year, they ultimately fell short against the Michigan Wolverines, losing 69-57.

Students began to notice her absence in April when she wasn’t at the National Invitation Tournament semi-finals. In August, Sister Jean mentioned struggling with a “bad summer cold and other health issues,” which kept her from celebrating her birthday on the Lakeshore campus near Lake Michigan.

“I’ve decided it’s best for me not to be at Lakeshore for my birthday, given my health,” Sister Jean expressed in a statement that accompanied Reid’s message. “That makes me very sad.”

She added, “While I can’t meet you all in person this year, I will be celebrating in spirit.”

Born in San Francisco, Sister Jean earned a master’s degree from Loyola University Los Angeles and began her teaching career in 1961 at Mandeline University in Chicago. Over the years, she held various roles including director of summer sessions and vice president of Academic Affairs before the partnership with Loyola in 1991.

Taking on the title of official team pastor for the men’s basketball team in 1996, Sister Jean’s fame further escalated with the release of her 2023 book, “Wake Up and Learn in My First Century Years.” She even received formal recognition from former President Joe Biden, showcasing the impact of her extraordinary life.