Sr. Jean Dolores Schmidt, better known just as "Sr. Jean," celebrated her 106th birthday on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
The special occasion was marked by a message from Loyola University Chicago's president, Mark C. Reed, EdD.
"Today, we celebrate not only this remarkable milestone, but also the wisdom, hope, and joy Sister Jean shares so generously with us. Her ministry of presence has touched thousands of lives—students, faculty, staff, alumni — across more than six decades at Loyola and Mundelein College. We are deeply grateful," he said.
Sr. Jean burst onto the national scene in 2018, when the Loyola University Chicago Ramblers' Men's Basketball team went on a remarkable run to the Final Four of the NCAA basketball tournament. Sr. Jean served as the team's chaplain and was visible at all the games.
Due to her health, however, Sr. Jean is no longer physically on the Loyola University Chicago campus, said Reed.
That being said, "she remains a beloved friend, trusted advisor, and loyal Rambler — cheering for our teams and praying for us all daily."
"Thank you, Sister Jean, for the many blessings you bring to the Loyola community," he said.
A message from Sr. Jean
With the new school year just around the corner, Sr. Jean shared a message with the Loyola University Chicago community.
"I will be with you in spirit and love and prayer. These things are very important in your life as you adjust to your new 'home away from home' at Loyola University," she said.
"Your parents have entrusted you to our care. We appreciate that trust. We know that you will live by it and that you will become the people that you want to be, the people that God has decided you will be. Yes, you have to be yourself."
The students at Loyola University Chicago, said Sr. Jean, are "the future leaders of our churches, our schools, our country, and our world."
"Let your dreams become reality," she said. "Don't let anybody stop you."
"God bless you and Go Ramblers!"
Sr. Jean's impact
While Loyola University Chicago has yet to replicate its remarkable 2018 run basketball fans have not forgotten her presence.
Each year in March, searches for "Sister Jean" peak, according to data from Google Trends. This is even more notable considering that in 2019, 2023, 2024, and 2025, Loyola University Chicago did not make the NCAA March Madness tournament.
Happy Birthday Sr. Jean!
