Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt’s compassion, joy and “unwavering care” touched countless lives at Loyola University and far beyond, said Mark Reed, the school’s president.
Now, the beloved nun and sports icon will continue to watch over the university with a statue in her honor.
Loyola unveiled the new statue, which sits on a bench outside the Norville Center for Intercollegiate Athletics, at a ceremony Friday afternoon, also Sister Jean’s birthday. It marked the first Loyola Welcome Week since her death last October at age 106.
Loyola says goodbye to Sister Jean — ‘a friend to many’ — at a packed on-campus funeral
“It will stand as a lasting reminder of the extraordinary way Sister Jean made people feel seen, welcomed and valued,” said Reed, surrounded by dozens of new students, faculty and community members. Sister Jean’s niece even traveled from California.
The statue is placed on a bench so she’s “approachable” for those who want to sit down, listen to advice or take a picture, said sculptor Littleton Alston. She has a big, warm smile and is, of course, holding a basketball. A nearby plaque explains her legacy.
“I hope my sculpture creates something of Sister Jean’s spirit and that I evoke memories for the people who know her and love her, even now, and for the many future students and admirers that will come to this very campus to see her,” Alston said.
Perhaps best known for cheering on the Ramblers men’s basketball team during the NCAA Tournaments, Sister Jean became a celebrity of sorts during Loyola’s improbable Final Four run in 2018.
Her wheelchair was rolled onto the court after each win. Sports stars like Charles Barkley and Bill Walton asked to meet her and she was even interviewed on “Good Morning America.” She stood out at games, often wearing a letterman’s jacket or a maroon and gold scarf.
Before her fame, Sister Jean spent decades as a teacher, college administrator and the team’s chaplain. She said she wanted to become a nun in third grade after a teacher inspired her.
“She just lived an amazing life,” Ramblers coach Drew Valentine said after her death. “Getting to know Sister Jean over the course of those years, I know in this situation she’d want to be honored and celebrated versus everyone being somber.”
Reed said two years ago, on Sister Jean’s 105th birthday, he told her at a celebratory dinner that the university planned to commission and install a statue of her on campus. He joked that the only person who would enjoy the unveiling more than those in attendance was Sister Jean herself.
“While she isn’t with us physically, she certainly is spiritually,” he said. “And I’m glad she knew that this day was coming.”
They chose Alston as the sculptor because he’s a professor at Creighton University, which, like Loyola, is a Jesuit school, said Director of Athletics Stephen Watson. Alston has also created statues of Chicago Bears superstar Gale Sayers and St. Ignatius of Loyola, which further showed a connection to Chicago and Loyola.
Reed recalled sharing many lunches with Sister Jean. When he took over as president four years ago, she presented him with a list of issues and questions to ponder. He said it was a privilege to see her love, loyalty, energy, wit and humor firsthand.
“Sister Jean’s ministry of presence was a gift to generations of Ramblers,” he said.