Sister Jean is saying farewell.
The legendary 106-year-old superfan and team chaplain of the Loyola Chicago men’s basketball program has retired after spending over half a century offering encouragement and support to students and athletes.
Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, ended her decades-long career at the university, nearly one month after her 106th birthday, according to student publication The Loyola Phoenix earlier this month.
“Sister Jean is retiring and stepping back from official duties at Loyola,” Vice President of Communications Christian Andersen told the outlet in a statement. “We are mindful of Sister’s privacy in regards to health and can’t comment beyond what was mentioned in her [Aug. 21] message.”
In the birthday message, Loyola University Chicago President Mark C. Reed revealed that Sister Jean was “no longer able to be physically present on campus” but remained a “beloved friend, trusted advisor and loyal Rambler.”
Sister Jean rose to national fame by appearing courtside during games, especially during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, when she would lead a prayer in the locker room and cheer on the Ramblers from a wheelchair.
The team made it to the Final Four in 2018 but lost to the Michigan Wolverines, 69-57.
However, students began to notice her absence in April, when she was not present at the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) semifinals, the outlet reported.
In August, Sister Jean said that she was experiencing a “bad summer cold and other health issues” which prevented her from spending her birthday on the Lake Shore campus, located off the shore of Lake Michigan.
“I have a bad summer cold and other health issues so it has been decided that I should not go to Lake Shore Campus to be with you on my birthday,” Sister Jean confirmed in the statement posted alongside Reed’s message. “That makes me very sad.”
Sister Jean continued, “Although this year I am unable to be at the party with you in person, I celebrate with you in spirit.”
The retiree, who was born in San Francisco, Calif., received a master’s degree from Loyola University Los Angeles and started teaching at Mundelein College in Chicago in 1961, according to the university.
She held a series of titles, including acting dean, director of summer sessions, director of Coffey Hall, associate dean, director of academic services and vice president for academic affairs before the school became affiliated with Loyola in 1991.
Sister Jean became the official team chaplain for the men’s basketball team in 1996.
Sister Jean’s stardom continued when she published the book “Wake Up with Purpose! What I’ve Learned in My First 100 Years,” which debuted in 2023.
She even received an official proclamation from former President Joe Biden, according to the Loyola Phoenix.
