Loyola-Chicago to Pay Tribute to Late 106-Year-Old Nun Sister Jean in Upcoming Season
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Loyola University Chicago has announced plans to honour the memory of the late Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, who passed away at the remarkable age of 106. Sister Jean, a cherished chaplain of Loyola Chicago’s basketball program, will be commemorated by the men’s basketball team throughout the season with special patches on their jerseys. The university revealed the touching gesture on Tuesday, Oct. 28, in response to Sister Jean’s death on Oct. 9.
The yellow and maroon circular patches, featuring an illustration of Sister Jean’s smiling face, will be worn on the top corner of the players’ jerseys. Fans of Loyola-Chicago enthusiastically embraced the idea, expressing their support for this heartfelt tribute. One fan even suggested that the university should make the patches available for purchase by the public, highlighting the impact Sister Jean had on the team’s journey to the Final Four in 2018.
Sister Jean rose to national stardom in 2018 when Loyola, considered underdogs at the time, achieved multiple upsets to reach the Final Four. Even at the age of 75 in 1994, she began assisting student-athletes with their academic performance and eventually became the official team chaplain for the university’s men’s basketball team. Her pre-game prayers and words of wisdom played a pivotal role in the team’s success, leading to her induction into the Loyola Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.
In a university profile marking her 100th birthday, Sister Jean shared her passion for working with young people, stating, “I love working with these young people. I think that’s what kept my heart young—not my body young—but kept my heart young all these years.” Even in her later years, while promoting her memoir in 2022, she reflected on her philosophy of living each day with purpose and joy, despite her advanced age.
The esteemed Loyola chaplain passed away in Illinois, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and compassion that touched the lives of generations of students, faculty, and staff. Loyola President Mark C. Reed emphasised Sister Jean’s invaluable contributions to the university community over more than six decades, remarking on the profound blessing she represented. As the community mourns her loss, they also celebrate the enduring impact of her spirit and teachings.
The announcement of Loyola-Chicago’s tribute to Sister Jean has sparked a wave of fond reminiscence and gratitude for her unwavering support and uplifting presence. The patches symbolise not only her dedication to the basketball team but also her enduring legacy of faith, kindness, and inspiration that will continue to resonate with all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
As the upcoming basketball season unfolds, the players of Loyola University Chicago will proudly wear Sister Jean’s patch, carrying her memory and spirit with them on the court. This act of remembrance serves as a poignant reminder of the profound influence of a remarkable woman whose love and grace touched the lives of many, both on and off the basketball court. Sister Jean’s legacy will forever remain ingrained in the hearts of the Loyola-Chicago community, a testament to the enduring power of faith, compassion, and shared humanity.