Loyola Icon Sister Jean Dies at 106, Leaving a Legacy of Faith and March Madness

• by Casper Lockwood
• Oct, 10 2025

When Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, BVM, passed away on October 9, 2025, the entire Loyola University Chicago family felt a shockwave that stretched far beyond the campus grounds.

She died at the university’s medical center in Chicago, Illinois at the remarkable age of 106, ending more than six decades of service as a teacher, advisor, and beloved chaplain to the Loyola Ramblers men's basketball team.

The news broke through an official statement released by Loyola University Chicago, which highlighted her role as a spiritual anchor during the 2018 NCAA tournament run that turned a modest 11‑seed into a Final Four sensation.

A Life of Faith and Service at Loyola

Born on August 15, 1919, in San Francisco, California, Sister Jean entered the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) in 1940. She first set foot on Loyola’s Rogers Park campus in 1961 as a teaching nun, and her devotion to education never wavered.

She officially joined the university’s staff in 1991, initially teaching philosophy and counseling students. Three years later, she became the academic adviser for the men’s basketball program, a position that would evolve into the iconic chaplaincy she held until her September 2025 retirement.

The 2018 March Madness Miracle

During the 2018 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball TournamentVarious venues, United States, the Ramblers entered as an 11‑seed with little expectation of progress. Yet, at age 98, Sister Jean became the face of the underdog story.

She was often seen praying at the sidelines, whispering encouragements like, “We have a great opportunity to convert rebounds,” before the Sweet 16 clash with the University of Illinois. Her timing was uncanny—her statistical insights about the opponent’s 50 % layup conversion and 30 % three‑point shooting helped the team adjust defensively.

The Ramblers advanced to the Final Four, eventually falling to the University of Michigan. Still, Sister Jean’s presence turned the tournament into a cultural moment; bobbleheads and t‑shirts emblazoned with her “Worship, Work, Win” motto flew off shelves, raising over $200,000 for the university’s scholarship fund.

Reactions from the Loyola Community

“In many roles at Loyola over the course of more than 60 years, Sister Jean was an invaluable source of wisdom and grace,” said Mark C. Reed, President of Loyola University Chicago. “While we feel grief, there is great joy in her legacy. Her spirit abides in thousands of lives.”

Former head coach Porter Moser added, “She still sends me an email after every single game. There is no human like her.” The sentiment echoed across the campus, from students in the Loop to alumni in Maywood, all recalling how she greeted them with a warm smile and a genuine "How are you?"

The Sisters of Charity released their own tribute, noting, “She saw God present in all that surrounded her, and trusted in his goodness. Her presence with us will be greatly missed.”

Legacy Beyond the Court

Beyond basketball, Sister Jean championed service projects, organized food drives, and mentored countless students who later became teachers, lawyers, and nurses. She was a living bridge between the Jesuit ideals of Loyola and the broader Catholic community.

• More than 150 scholarship recipients cite her encouragement as a turning point.
• Her weekly “Spirit Sessions” drew over 500 participants during the 2010s.
• Merchandise sales inspired a $250,000 donation to the university’s Center for Faith & Leadership.

Even after her retirement in September 2025, Sister Jean kept a modest email account, replying to former players and curious fans alike. Her favorite phrase—"We’re all in this together"—became a mantra for the campus during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Looking Ahead: Remembering an Icon

Plans are already underway to name a small chapel on the Rogers Park campus after her, and a scholarship fund will bear her name, supporting first‑generation college students.

As the university prepares for the upcoming season, the basketball team will wear a special commemorative patch on their jerseys: a simple white cross with the initials “SJ” stitched beside the number 99, honoring her final season.

Her story reminds us that influence isn’t measured in age or titles but in the genuine connections we forge. Whether you’re a die‑hard Ramblers fan or someone who never stepped foot on a basketball court, Sister Jean’s life offers a template for leading with humility, faith, and a dash of statistical savvy.